Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman Looking For Focus Over False Narratives
The Ohio State connections will always run deep for Marcus Freeman as he was a two-time Second-Team All-Big Ten selection during his collegiate career with the Buckeyes.
A year ago, Freeman’s first season as Notre Dame’s head coach in Columbus and this week he’ll face another Buckeye great in Eddie George as the Fighting Irish welcome Tennessee State to South Bend.
Saturday’s game will mark the first time Notre Dame will face an FCS opponent, but also it will be the first HBCU opponent to clash with the Irish.
”We don't take that opportunity for granted,” stated Freeman. “We obviously know this is our first opportunity to play an FCS opponent and an HBCU.
“They are different universities, but they're both distinct in celebrating their own way. I think at the core, the core values that both universities possess, they align. I think that's a great opportunity and it's going to be a great experience for both schools.”
Freeman’s relationship with Tennessee State’s head coach probably goes a bit deeper than he let on as he is the Notre Dame head coach, but it’s clear there is a great respect for what George has done in Nashville.
“The chance to be across the field from Eddie George, I'm looking forward to that,” said Freeman. “I grew up in Ohio and watching Eddie George play for Ohio State. I have gotten to know him throughout the years. Really looking forward to this opportunity to go against him and his football team that has talent. They're a good team.”
When asked if he remembers a specific Eddie George game, Freeman didn’t point to one, but playing for the Buckeyes, it’s highly likely he’s seen the photo of the 1995 Heisman Trophy winner sprinting away from the Irish defense.
“There’s many games I've watched of Eddie George,” stated Freeman. “He was a great player. I don't remember any distinct one, but to see him win the Heisman is a moment that I remember as a young person. We've met each other many times throughout my time at Ohio State. He’s always been a first-class individual. Great family man and someone you really looked up to.”
George made trip to South Bend in April of 2022 when both schools held a press conference to announce the matchup, but prior to that, Freeman hadn’t seen his future foe other than a quick visit at the Tennessee Titans facility a few years ago.
“The last time I saw him other than when they came here for the press conference, I was actually in Nashville,” Freeman said. “I think I was doing a meeting with the Titans to do just some professional development. Eddie was there and I got a chance to see him.”
And yes, Notre Dame should cruise to victory in the 2023 home opener, but Freeman made sure to highlight a few players, including quarterback Draylen Ellis, who threw for 1,807 yards and rushed for 371 while scoring a total of 12 touchdowns a year ago.
Freeman also pointed to junior running back Jalen Rouse, who finished 2022 with 646 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
“We spent quite a bit of yesterday as a staff watching some of the things they do,” Freeman explained. “Both sides of the ball, they have some playmakers. I think the quarterback, I know they're listing him as 'or' No. 7. We've got some challenges now. We better keep him in the pocket and the running back is a good player that you see his yards after contact are impressive.
“Their defense, I think they were No. 2 in their conference last year. Really good in the red zone. The one thing I also noticed was that as you watch their games, they don't turn the ball over, and they take the ball away. That's a sign of a well-coached team. So, we are truly looking forward to this opportunity versus a good opponent.”
Yet this game will be about avoiding a travel hangover and not being content after the 42-3 win over Navy. Freeman challenged his staff on Sunday night to be consistent with their messaging, but he also didn’t want them to talk about overlooking Tennessee State.
“We all have to be saying the same thing,” said Freeman. “We don't need some type of false narrative, some type of, 'Don't overlook any opponent.’ We don't need that. Let's talk about what really matters and that's winning the day.”
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Logo Quarter-Zip Windshirt
