Marcus Freeman excited for opportunity for Notre Dame to turn page vs. Duke
Notre Dame suffered a potentially gutting loss last Saturday night in primetime, but head coach Marcus Freeman isn’t worried about it leading to a hangover in another big-time game this Saturday night. And while Freeman knows Duke can give Notre Dame plenty of challenges, he’s excited to get out and try to clean the slate.
The Irish got some of the way there with a good week of practice, Freeman said. But nothing compares to washing out a bad taste from a loss with a key win.
“This is a motivated group, a mature group that chose hard this week. And that’s what we need them to do. But, you really can’t turn a page until you get out here and do it right now. They’re ready to go,” Freeman said to ABC sideline reporter Holly Rowe.
Freeman proved it right away, as Notre Dame called and converted a fake punt just around midfield after picking up a chunk on third and long on the first possession of the game.
The extended drive led to an Audric Estimé rushing touchdown two plays later.
Freeman might just be as motivated as his team is to turn the page on last weeks loss.
Notre Dame needs some receivers to step up
Notre Dame is without Jayden Thomas and Jaden Greathouse on Saturday night, but Freeman noted this means an opportunity for other pass catchers.
“Well we’re going to have to tell those other guys to step up. You’ve got Rico Flores, he’ll be playing a lot. We’ve Tobias Merriweather, we’ve got Chris Tyree and a couple of the other young guys that we’re going to count on. So, when the opportunity comes, you gotta be ready to go,” Freeman said.
Notre Dame is facing a depleted Duke squad
Duke is without on of its best offensive players on Saturday night as the Blue Devils host Notre Dame. According to reports, Duke left tackle Graham Barton was ruled out prior to kickoff.
Barton, outside of perhaps quarterback Riley Leonard, is Duke’s best offensive player. His absence will potentially be pronounced, especially against a Notre Dame defense that can rush the passer and stuff up the run at a high level.
Barton was a first team All-ACC selection in 2022 and earned several preseason All-American nods coming into 2023. He has 34 career starts and has appeared in 35. It’s an absence Duke will need to overcome to stay undefeated, even against a stout, talented defense like the Irish.