Marcus Freeman has 'no issues' with Notre Dame's play calling on offense

Marcus Freeman said he had no issues with Notre Dame’s offensive play calling in the 33-20 loss to Louisville.

Quarterback Sam Hartman tossed three interceptions and the run game never got going. After a 7-7 tie at halftime, the Cardinals outscored the Fighting Irish 26-13 in the second half.

The offense could never catch up, but Freeman chalked it up to execution, not those actual decisions.

“Everything we do as an offensive staff is a collaborative effort,” Freeman said. “And we talk about it. And so, you know, I have no issues with the play calling, right? I have issues with the execution. And that’s what we have to attack. We can blame it on a call. We can blame it on anything we want. But the reality is, if we feel strongly enough to call that play, then we have to have answers for why it did or doesn’t work. 

“And so that’s why I’m attacking, why didn’t it work? If this guy was supposed to do that, and he was supposed to do that, then that’s the issue. We have to make sure our guys are crystal clear on what they need to do and don’t make mistakes.”

Hartman finished 22-of-38 passing for 254 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. Meanwhile, Audric Estime had just 10 carries for 20 yards while Jeremiyah Love had five carries for 37 yards.

Notre Dame offense comes down to execution, not play calling

Where’s the solution? Well according to Freeman it’s not play calling, it’s just simple execution.

Notre Dame will need a lot of execution this weekend against USC. The Trojans come to South Bend looking to keep the undefeated season going while the Irish look to bounce back after losses in two of their last three games.

If execution, not play calling, is the biggest factor, Notre Dame could ill afford to open the game with a turnover.

On the first series to open the game, Hartman threw his first interception after Notre Dame already marched into Louisville territory. That ultimately led to the Cardinals’ first score.

Trailing 27-13 later in the game, and needing a touchdown, Hartman was picked off on the first play of the drive after the Cardinals kicked a field goal.

The second pick led to another Louisville field goal and was followed up by Hartman’s fumble as well. Four total turnovers was a recipe for a disaster.

Execution, according to Freeman, will get things back on the right track against USC. But it better happen fast.