After upsetting Clemson the Irish prepare for Navy

 

SOUTH BEND, Ind -- Saturday’s win over Clemson makes Notre Dame 27-0 against ACC opponents in the last five years and the first top five win of Marcus Freeman's career.

Freeman started his Monday presser a tad bit different, by showing gratitude for the atmosphere on Saturday night.

“The fans were unreal, the students were great. This is a special place. And I think you everybody saw that on Saturday,” said Head Coach Marcus Freeman.

A sold-out crowd at Notre Dame Stadium, helped will the Irish to a 35-14 win that came on the back of every area of the game.

“We really played probably our most physical game, on all three phases on Saturday night,” said Freeman.

It started on special teams, in the first quarter.

“Jordan Botelho, who blocked the punt, and Prince Kollie who scored a touchdown.

It’s not surprising, that the first score of the game came at the hands of the best punt block unit in college football.

They rank first in the country with six blocked punts.

What may have been a surprise, is the level of execution in the run game against an undefeated top 10 defense.

“I mean, our offense, I think ran for 263 yards, I mean, versus an extremely talented Clemson defense,” Freeman added.

They also added two touchdowns on the ground from running back Audric Estime and quarterback Drew Pyne.

“I think our O-line took it as a challenge when they got NFL guys across the board up front,” Freeman mentioned.

The same can be said for Notre Dame’s defense.

They had four sacks and two interceptions by freshman Benjamin Morrison and returned one for a touchdown.

When asked for the method of success, Coach Freeman has his personal beliefs and the team has bought in.

“I'm convinced, there might be some people to say I’m wrong. But the two most important things in recovery are sleep, and nutrition. If they know it's going to benefit them on Saturday, sure coach. If I say go sleep outside, because it's cold, it's going to help your body recover, they'll probably end up doing it,” Freeman added.