Marcus Freeman sends message to Notre Dame fans following Fiesta Bowl collapse

It looked like Marcus Freeman was going to start his time as the leader of Notre Dame with a bang. The Fighting Irish started off dominant in the Fiesta Bowl, but they couldn’t close the deal against Oklahoma State.

After racing to a 28-7 lead, Notre Dame was more confident than ever that Freeman was their guy. However, a furious comeback by Oklahoma State ensued over the second half. In the end, the Cowboys hoisted the Fiesta Bowl trophy — defeating the Irish, 37-35.

After a heartbreaking loss in his first game as head coach, Freeman sent a message to the Notre Dame fan base.

“They deserve a winning product,” started Freeman. “They deserve a team that every week goes out there and wins. It’s our job to make sure we prepare and do everything necessary to give this team, the fan base, the university, and everybody else that deserves a really, really good product out on that field.

“So we’ll get back to work. That’s the only thing we know how to do. Win or lose, we’re going to get back to work and find ways to improve and make sure that we’re even more prepared and have a better opportunity to have success next time we’re on the field.”

The odds were stacked against Freeman from the beginning. Facing a great Oklahoma State team, some of the best players on the Fighting Irish decided to opt-out. Still, there were no excuses coming from Freeman afterwards.

The morale was high when Marcus Freeman became the coach of Notre Dame. While the loss in the Fiesta Bowl was demoralizing, seeds are being planted for future success under Freeman.

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In the heartbreaking loss to Oklahoma State, quarterback Jack Coan did all he could for the Fighting Irish. The Wisconsin transfer ended his first season at Notre Dame by stuffing the stat-sheet — throwing for 509 yards and five touchdowns against the Cowboys.

However, it was Marcus Freeman’s calling card that let the Fighting Irish down — the defense. The Fighting Irish were unable to slow down the Cowboys offense in the second half, leading to a huge day for opposing quarterback Spencer Sanders.

After an uneven start, Sanders got things going — ending his day with 371 yards and four touchdowns. Additionally, he hurt the Fighting Irish with his legs, rushing for 125 yards against Freeman’s defense.

Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame will learn from their Fiesta Bowl loss. While it hurts now, confidence shouldn’t be shaken in the Fighting Irish head coach.