Marcus Freeman, the coach of the 10th-ranked Irish, watched as they pulled away from NC State in the fourth quarter. USA TODAY Sports Network’s Rob Kinnan
After an electrifying performance on the field, Notre Dame’s head coach, Marcus Freeman, stepped up to the podium to address the press and fans in the postgame conference following a thrilling victory over NC State. The excitement in the room was palpable as Coach Freeman shared his thoughts on the game, his team’s performance, and what this win means for the Fighting Irish.
Marcus Freeman, the head coach of the 10th-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish, met with the media soon after their 45-24 victory over NC State on Saturday at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, North Carolina. Just after the start of the second quarter, the game was postponed for an hour and 45 minutes due to lightning strikes close to the stadium.
Opening Statement : Marcus Freeman
Marcus Freeman: “First and foremost, I want to commend our players for their outstanding effort today. Facing a tough opponent like NC State is never easy, and they came out with determination and executed our game plan to perfection. I’m proud of their resilience and the way they rallied to secure this victory.”
“I just finished telling the squad how nice it is to be able to experience some of the hiccups from last year that lost us wins and victories. And even though we encountered some today, we were nevertheless able to triumph. You can examine the composition of our staff.
“I believe there were many other factors today, including the rain before the game and the [one-hour, 45-minute] delay. When we eventually return outside, the rain has not stopped. There are both good and negative things happening. But the boys just kept living in the present.
We have been telling them to “just be in the moment,” man, all week. Don’t stress about results. Be unconcerned about last week. Concerning what occurred in the first quarter, don’t worry. Simply remain in the present, and it was wonderful to observe.
We must take better care of the football, without a doubt. The football cannot be placed on the ground. But defensively, so that you can react. I felt like our mistake on our own area was the game’s turning moment. A failed field goal was caused by the defense. But I believe we go three-and-out after that. The defense then comes up with an interception. After that, the game kind of got out of hand after we scored.
“It was incredibly encouraging to see a tough group of players fight throughout four quarters. I’m really happy for this team. Starting tomorrow, we’ll celebrate this win and carry on. I’ll invite questions now.”
On the Team’s Performance
Marcus Freeman : “Our players showed great character and discipline on the field today. They executed both offensively and defensively, making the most of their opportunities. Our offensive line provided excellent protection, and our defense made crucial stops when it mattered most. It was a true team effort, and that’s what Notre Dame football is all about.”
Praise for Key Players
“I have to give a special shout-out to our quarterback. His composure under pressure and his ability to read the defense were outstanding. Our running backs showed great explosiveness, and our wide receivers made some incredible catches. On the defensive side, our linemen were relentless in putting pressure on the NC State quarterback, and our secondary made critical interceptions. It’s hard to single out individuals because this win was a result of collective effort.”
Facing Adversity
“There were moments in the game where things didn’t go our way, and we faced adversity. But our players remained focused, and they never lost belief in themselves or in the game plan. That kind of mental toughness is what we aim to instill in our team, and it paid off today.”
Looking Ahead
“While we celebrate this victory, we also know that we have a challenging road ahead. The college football season is a marathon, not a sprint, and we must stay focused and continue to improve. Every game is an opportunity for growth, and we’ll use this win as a stepping stone toward our ultimate goals.”
On Notre Dame’s Fanbase
“I want to express my gratitude to our fans. The atmosphere in the stadium today was electric, and their unwavering support provides our team with an incredible boost. We are fortunate to have such passionate and dedicated fans, and we’ll continue to work hard to make them proud.”
On Player Performances : Marcus Freeman
Marcus Freeman: “I want to highlight the outstanding performances of some of our players tonight. Our quarterback showed great composure, and our running backs ran hard. The offensive line did an excellent job protecting our quarterback, and our defense, as I mentioned earlier, was stellar.”
Final Thoughts : Marcus Freeman
Marcus Freeman: “In closing, I want to express my gratitude to our coaching staff, our players, and our fans. We win as a team, and tonight’s victory is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved with the Notre Dame football program. We’ll enjoy this win tonight, but tomorrow, it’s back to the grind. Go Irish!”
As Marcus Freeman concluded his postgame transcript, the sense of camaraderie and determination within the Notre Dame football program was palpable. The victory over NC State was not just a triumph on the scoreboard but a reflection of the team’s unwavering commitment to excellence. With Coach Freeman at the helm, the Fighting Irish continue to forge their path toward greatness, one game at a time.
Source : Google
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