Head Coach Marcus Freeman discusses Ohio State game, QB battle

The Notre Dame Football team is getting ready for the 2022 season opener against Ohio State, Head Coach Marcus Freeman's alma mater. Coach Freeman spoke with ABC57 about the Ohio State game and the season ahead.

One of the biggest questions so far this season has been about the starting quarterback.

Freeman just announced Tyler Buchner won the job.

"What we just felt was Tyler gave us the best chance to have the production that we need on offense to have some success. He brings a dynamic with his legs. Ultimately, you look at it and say 'Ok, the three things that I evaluate are 1. Do they make the right decision? 2. Are they taking care of the football and 3. Are they making plays?' And at the end of the day we felt like it was best to name Tyler Buchner the starter," Coach Freeman said.

Drew Pyne will still need to be ready.

"It will be solely Tyler's job as we go into the season. As I've told Drew and I've told everyone on our team, I've never been in a season where you haven't played two quarterbacks. Just you know, because of what happens with injuries, because of game plan and different situations so Drew will have to be ready, he is the ultimate pro," Coach Freeman said.

How realistic is the goal of a national championship for a first year head coach?

"Well, I mean, that's our goal. And we don't shy away from that. We set high goals, and we have high standards here. And the once you say that's your goal, now you got to focus on the process, and you got to focus on the things that are going to help you achieve that. And that starts with developing this team. And that's why our focus has been this ball camp is how do we develop this team? How do we develop our identity of who we want to be and give us ultimately a chance to have success every game we play. And it starts with September 3 in Columbus, Ohio. But we have 12 guaranteed opportunities, you know that we have to be prepared and have to be ready to play, no matter what circumstance we're in. And we'll let the rest of that those big goals and national championship and other things take care of itself," Coach Freeman said.

You can see more of Coach Freeman's interview on ABC57 Kickoff at 7:30 p.m. on September 1.

The Notre Dame - Ohio State game will air September 3 on ABC57 at 7:30 p.m. We'll have a post-game ABC57 Kickoff following the game.

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