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Marcus Freeman reveals he allowed Notre Dame players three hours with family after New Orleans tragedy

Barkley-Truaxby:Barkley Truax01/04/25

BarkleyTruax

Marcus Freeman
MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Sugar Bowl was pushed back one day due to the tragic act of terrorism in New Orleans on New Year’s Day that took the lives of 15 people and injured dozens more.

In the wake of the tragedy, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman revealed that he let his players spend a few hours away from the football team to see their families before playing Georgia in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.

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“There was a time yesterday evening when I wanted our players to spend some time with their families that were here. Being a parent myself, in times of tragedy, you want to be around your children,” Freeman told reporters after the quarterfinal win.

“I gave the players from about 6:00 to 9:00 [on New Year’s Day] just a chance to go be with your family if they’re in town. I think that helped the parents as much as it helped the players to be around each other, and to help them reset and get their mind into a place that it needed to be for today.”

The fallout of the attacks caused a surreal atmosphere inside the Caesars Superdome with additional security and police presence posted in and around the arena. The game went on without a hitch and provided a well-needed escape for the fans on hand inside the Superdome and those watching the matchup at home.

Kickoff was pushed back roughly 20 hours, but Notre Dame was ready. A scoreless first quarter saw the Fighting Irish take a 13-3 lead. Notre Dame never looked back, and they ultimately defeated Georgia 23-10 to win its second playoff game of the postseason.

Quarterback Riley Leonard wasn’t able to move the ball through the air, throwing for just 90 yards during the contest while rushing for 80 more. In the end, it took just 244 total yards of offense to take down the Bulldogs thanks to a pair of Georgia turnovers throughout the battle.

The Fighting Irish will move on to play Penn State in the College Football Playoff semifinal in the Orange Bowl. The victor will advance to the national championship game — something neither Blue Blood program has ever done in the CFP era.

Kickoff is set for Thursday, Jan. 9 at 7:30 p.m. ET and will air live on ESPN.