FREEMAN'S FOCUS: Notre Dame's defense is the star of the show

ATLANTA, Ga. -- The Irish have proved time and again this season that team glory is achieved not only on the field but in the locker room.

Players have bought into Coach Marcus Freeman's system and are taking after him with a passionate gritty tough team first approach.

That has been his mission since taking over this program in 2021.

While the offense has looked dominant at times, it’s Freeman’s defense that has been the star of the show, allowing just over 14 points per game and recording 32 turnovers this season.

Since that inexplicable loss to NIU, the Irish have reeled off 13 straight wins, including playoff victories over Indiana, SEC champion Georgia, and Penn State in the Orange Bowl.

All that stands in the way of team glory and Freeman’s bid at a championship is his alma mater, Ohio State.