SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Nine final thoughts on Notre Dame going out (almost) on top after its 34-23 loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman earned wide-spread criticism during Monday’s 34-23 loss to Ohio State in the national title game when he opted for a field goal while trailing by 16 in the fourth quarter.

Against Ohio State, Marcus Freeman can become the fifth Notre Dame coach to win a national championship in his third season at the helm

In hindsight, Notre Dame women’s basketball coach Niele Ivey isn’t surprised that football coach Marcus Freeman was one step ahead. Knowing him as well as she does now, it tracks.

(EDITORS NOTE: caption correction) Jan 9, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman celebrates defeating the Penn State Nittany Lions in the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium. / Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Notre Dame General Manager Chad Bowden has left the program for USC with a reported $1M salary following key program departures

Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame ended the season without the ultimate prize in their possession, but the Fighting Irish head coach has been recognized for the job he has done in South Bend