Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame continuing to provide reassurance for Drew Pyne

After a three-game win streak, Notre Dame stumbled again last weekend with their 16-14 loss to Stanford. Neither Drew Pyne for the Irish nor Tanner McKee for the Cardinals put their stamps on the game but, as the QB who took home the loss, this has been a difficult week for Pyne. For Marcus Freeman, the program has spent plenty of time this week ensuring that Pyne realizes the faith they have in him.

Freeman spoke about Pyne’s confidence level during media on Thursday. He said the loss took a toll on Pyne but his reaction reaffirmed Freeman’s belief in him as their quarterback.

“Early in the week, it’s a confidence blow. I met with Drew one-on-one for awhile. I could tell early in the meeting that he felt like he let the team down. That’s what makes Drew Pyne…Drew Pyne,” said Freeman. “We need more individuals that are looking at themselves and say, ‘Hey, I didn’t do my job.’ That’s from the head coach on down to the starting quarterback on down to the skeleton guys.”

Pyne completed just 13/27 passes for 151 yards and one touchdown in the loss. He did lose one of the Irish’s two fumbles and, as a whole, the offense just didn’t run as well during the defeat.

During this week, Freeman reiterated the ways he and the team have tried to encourage Pyne this week. While he didn’t put up the performance he wanted to against the Cardinals, though, Freeman stressed the importance of Pyne not allowing this to carry over to this weekend against the Rebels.

“Drew continues to be reassured of the confidence we have in him, the confidence that his team has in him. I believe he’s an extremely talented quarterback that was playing really, really well,” Freeman said. “(He) didn’t have the game that he wanted to. But what he can’t do is let that have any impact on his mentality or his mindset going into this game versus UNLV. Drew’s had an extremely good week of practice. The biggest focus with Drew is ‘be confident.'”

Pyne has slid in well in place of Tyler Buchner. However, he needs to put this shortcoming behind him as Notre Dame’s season continues on. Freeman needs his best if Notre Dame’s going to succeed over the course of their difficult next six games. How confident Pyne remains will be front and center this weekend at kickoff against UNLV.