Marcus Freeman shares importance of Notre Dame finishing season with bowl win

Notre Dame takes on South Carolina in the Gator Bowl and a lot could be on the line for Marcus Freeman and the future of the Fighting Irish. Freeman noted that the bowl game is important, regardless of where in the postseason it takes place.

The Fighting Irish had multiple College Football Playoff appearances in the past but the Gator Bowl is no small accomplishment, particularly after a slow start to the season Freeman in his first full year as head coach.

“Yeah, the most important thing is winning,” Freeman said. “That’s going to give us the most momentum as we continue to look forward. As I told the players yesterday in our team meeting, our focus is right now. Our focus is finishing this season off right now in the right way. If you continue to focus on the future, think about the future, you’re going to lose the opportunity we have in front of us.”

Notre Dame has a bright future ahead of itself. Currently, the Fighting Irish have the No. 8 overall recruiting class in the 2023 cycle.

However, Freeman was focused on the on-field product before moving onto next season.

“The future will be taken care of if we finish the season off the right way,” Freeman said. “That’s 100% where my focus is and I hope this team’s is.”

On the field against South Carolina, Freeman noted Tyler Buchner was likely to start the game against the Gamecocks and then later confirmed he was ready to roll.

“After I think today’s practice is 14, after 14 practices,” Freeman said. “I think he’s ready to roll. He’s been magnificent in practice. He’s done a great job of leading the offense, which to me it’s not just throwing the ball, right? When you’re the quarterback at Notre Dame, it’s gaining the confidence of those guys around you. You’re the leader of that group. I think he’s done a good job of continue to earning the trust of these guys that are surrounding him in that offensive huddle.”

Drew Pyne was the starter this season, but his transfer to Arizona State reopened the door for Buchner to finish the season on top.

This year, Buchner was just 28-of-50 passing (56%) for 378 yards and two interceptions. He had limited action in 2021 as well, throwing for 298 yards on 21-of-35 passing (60%), three touchdowns and three interceptions.

No. 19 Notre Dame (8-4) takes on No. 20 South Carolina Friday at 3:30 p.m. ET in the Gator Bowl.