Marcus Freeman shares how preparing for Ohio State is different in Year 2

Much has changed for Marcus Freeman and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish since last season’s showdown with Ohio State.

While Freeman was lauded as a hire for the Fighting Irish, the Buckeyes were a tremendously tough test for a first-time head coach, although Notre Dame kept things close in 2022. Now in the midst of his second season, and his second attempt to beat the Buckeyes, Freeman is in much better shape to do so.

Ahead of this weekend’s gigantic showdown, Freeman shared how preparing for Ohio State is different in 2023, and how he’s going to lead Notre Dame into battle.

“I think, there’s a lot of different factors that go into the differences,” started Freeman. “But experience. You have a year under your belt. Not the first game of the year. You’ve been able to develop an identity, as a program, with these first four games.

“So it’s a lot different than what it was last year, being the first game of that season for me, and the first game of the year.”

Alas, the biggest difference for Notre Dame is at quarterback. Sam Hartman‘s transfer from Wake Forest has revitalized the passing game for the Fighting Irish. Hartman was electric through his team’s first four games. He has thrown for 1,061 yards and 13 touchdowns without an interception.

Regardless, Marcus Freeman has Notre Dame humming at the moment, and a victory against Ohio State would be the biggest of his fledgling head coaching career. Many believe the Fighting Irish have a shot, and it’ll be a fascinating showdown to watch.

Notre Dame vs. Ohio State: Early point spread released on Fighting Irish, Buckeyes

In one of the most anticipated early-season matchups in the 2023 slate, Ohio State will take on Notre Dame in a meeting that will provide some serious pop to the resume of the winner and the early point spread is out.

Based on Las Vegas’ odds, it appears the oddsmakers are anticipating a very quality game. Ohio State opens up as a 3.5-point favorite in the contest, according to FanDuel.

Ohio State has won the last five meetings in the series, dating back to 1995. The Buckeyes won last season’s meeting, which happened in the season opener, by a 21-10 score. Notre Dame was ranked No. 5 in the country at the time, while Ohio State was ranked No. 2.

This season’s game will be another meeting between two top-10 teams.