Notre Dame shifts focus to Boston College as Freeman warns against letdown

NOTRE DAME, Ind. -- Coming off an emotional victory over Miami, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman is making sure his team doesn’t lose its edge as the Fighting Irish prepare to face Boston College on Saturday.

Freeman opened his weekly news conference by thanking fans for creating an electric atmosphere against the Hurricanes, but quickly turned his attention to the challenges ahead, including several lingering injuries.

Defensive linemen Francis Brewu and Jason Onye are both listed as questionable for Saturday’s matchup, while linebacker Drayk Bowen, cornerback DJ McKinney and Brauntae Johnson remain out.

On a positive note, Freeman said wide receiver Jaden Greathouse is expected to be fine after dealing with a rib injury against Miami.

Despite the injury concerns, Freeman was encouraged by his team’s composure in one of its biggest victories of the season.

“I kept hearing them say the fog is coming. That’s when you can’t see what’s in front of you,” Freeman said. “It was a one-score game and our guys were like, ‘Look, we’re good. Don’t panic. We’re good. Execute on this play like this play is the only play that matters.’ And that shows me they’re listening.”

Freeman also highlighted several individual performances that helped secure the victory.

He called defensive lineman Tionne Gray’s performance his best at Notre Dame, praised Armel Mukam’s contributions and credited wide receiver Mylan Graham for stepping up in the second half while Greathouse was limited.

And defensively, Freeman confirmed the Irish specifically designed their pass rush to speed up Miami quarterback Darian Mensah, an adjustment that played a role in Notre Dame’s defensive approach.

Now, Boston College presents its own challenges, particularly at quarterback.

“They are a very disciplined team. They play hard,” Freeman said. “If you look at their offense, it all starts with their quarterback. He can run it. He can throw it. There’s designed quarterback runs. There’s QB scramble, and so we have to really know where he’s at.”

After responding to a disappointing loss against BYU with a statement victory over Miami, Notre Dame must now prove it can sustain that level of focus against Boston College.