Weekly Press Conference Recap: Marcus Freeman Praises Notre Dame’s Response to Adversity, Provides Injury Updates Ahead of Stanford
Photo via Notre Dame Athletics
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman met with the media Monday as the Fighting Irish turned their attention toward Stanford following a 37-26 victory over North Carolina.
While Freeman acknowledged that Notre Dame’s performance in Chapel Hill was far from perfect, he was pleased with the way his team responded when things did not go according to plan.
The Irish faced several moments of adversity throughout the game, but Freeman emphasized the importance of preventing one mistake from snowballing into another.
“It was good to see, to not let one thing turn into another,” Freeman said.
That ability to respond will remain an important focus as Notre Dame prepares for Stanford.
Freeman Pleased With Offensive Line’s Progress
One of the biggest positives Freeman took away from the North Carolina game was the performance of the offensive line.
Freeman called it the most complete game the unit has played this season, particularly praising the physicality of Notre Dame’s guards and the group’s ability to create movement in the running game.
The Irish offensive line repeatedly won at the point of attack, allowing Notre Dame to establish its ground game and control stretches of the second half.
Freeman also pointed out that the improvement wasn’t limited to run blocking. He felt the offensive line performed well in pass protection as well.
He credited the group’s willingness to play with the physical style that Notre Dame expects from its offensive line.
That progress could prove important as the Irish move deeper into the season.
Wide Receiver Rotation Continues to Evolve
Freeman was also asked about Notre Dame’s wide receiver rotation after Mylan Graham did not receive a snap against North Carolina.
Rather than viewing Graham’s lack of playing time as a negative reflection on the sophomore receiver, Freeman explained that Notre Dame is currently trying to maximize opportunities for its top three receivers.
Personnel groupings also play a major role in determining how many snaps each receiver receives.
When Notre Dame uses 12 personnel, for example, it takes one receiver off the field. Freeman said the game situation ultimately dictates who receives opportunities.
He emphasized that Graham, Bubba Frazier and Jerome Bettis Jr. remain important pieces of the offense and will have opportunities moving forward.
For now, however, Freeman believes Notre Dame’s top three receivers are playing at a high level and the coaching staff is looking for ways to get them the football.
Matty Augustine Set to Return to Practice
Perhaps the biggest injury development Monday involved running back Matty Augustine.
Freeman said Augustine will begin participating in practice this week after doing football-specific work with Notre Dame’s strength staff last week.
The Irish will ease him back into practice rather than immediately giving him a full workload.
Freeman said Augustine will not participate in every repetition, with the coaching staff planning to evaluate how he responds Tuesday and Wednesday before determining whether he will be available against Stanford.
Freeman indicated there is no need to rush Augustine back.
Leonard Moore Remains Questionable
Notre Dame also continues to monitor cornerback Leonard Moore. Moore is listed as questionable heading into Saturday’s game, and Freeman provided some clarity on the contingency plan should the sophomore defensive back be unable to play.
Jayden Sanders and DJ McKinney would move into the starting cornerback roles, with Mark Zackery next in line.
Moore’s status will therefore be something to watch throughout the week as Notre Dame prepares for Stanford.
Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa is also listed as questionable.
Anthonie Knapp’s Toughness Draws Praise
Freeman also highlighted the toughness of offensive lineman Anthonie Knapp.
Knapp battled through the physical nature of the North Carolina game, and Freeman referenced a picture of the lineman following the contest that showed just how much punishment he had taken.
For Freeman, that toughness is representative of Knapp’s personality and approach to the game.
Looking Ahead
Notre Dame enters the week ranked No. 3 nationally and will return home to face Stanford.
The victory over North Carolina moved the Irish to another important point in the season, but Freeman made it clear that the focus has already shifted.
Notre Dame will spend the week correcting the mistakes from Chapel Hill while building on the positives — particularly the improved play of the offensive line and the team’s ability to respond when adversity strikes.
The Irish now have an opportunity to continue building momentum against Stanford, but Freeman knows his team cannot afford to become complacent.
For Notre Dame, the message remains consistent: celebrate the victory, learn from the mistakes and get back to work.
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