Notre Dame Football: 3 overreactions after close win against Toledo

By Dante Pryor | Sep 13, 2021

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 01: Head coach Brian Kelly and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football players run on the field during player introductions before the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl football game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at AT&T Stadium on January 01, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 31-14. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

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2. Marcus Freeman was not the right hire

When Brian Kelly was able to hire defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman away from the Cincinnati Bearcats, it was seen as one of the best coordinator hires of the offseason. Marcus Freeman is seen as a rising star in college coaching and seen as a head coach sooner rather than later.

After two games, however, the Irish defense has not been stellar. Both Florida State and Toledo had success running the football against Notre Dame. Led by Jashaun Corbin, the Seminoles racked up 264 yards on the ground in week one.

Though Toledo did not succeed as a team on the ground, Bryant Koback had 122 yards against Notre Dame. Was Marcus Freeman the right hire for Notre Dame football?

The short answer is yes. First, Notre Dame struggled against the run last season. It was obvious that the defense needed to be more physical up front and play the run better. Also, neither Toledo nor Florida State was that great throwing the football.

Marcus Freeman does have to adjust to playing Power Five opponents every weekend as well. While at Cincinnati, Freeman had a talent advantage most times. That is not the case at Notre Dame.

Also, Freeman needs time to recruit the type of players best suited for his system. When he gets his type of guys on the defense, that’s when Notre Dame hits his stride.

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