AP Top 25 Takeaways: Marcus Freeman again is explaining a stunning loss at Notre Dame 3 years in…

**AP Top 25 Takeaways: Marcus Freeman Again Explaining a Stunning Loss at Notre Dame 3 Years In**

For the third time in his tenure as head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Marcus Freeman found himself explaining another shocking loss. This time, the Fighting Irish fell to an unranked opponent in a game they were heavily favored to win, adding another frustrating chapter to Freeman’s tenure.

### **A Familiar Feeling in South Bend**
Notre Dame has had its share of upset losses under Freeman, dating back to his first full season in 2022 when the Irish suffered a shocking defeat at home to Marshall and later to a struggling Stanford team. Now, three years into his tenure, Freeman is still facing questions about the team’s consistency and ability to handle games where they are expected to dominate.

Following the loss, Freeman addressed the media, acknowledging the team’s shortcomings: **“We’ve been here before. We have to look at what went wrong, learn from it, and move forward. This isn’t acceptable for our program.”**

### **What Went Wrong?**
Notre Dame entered the game as heavy favorites but struggled to find momentum on both sides of the ball. The defense, which had been one of the team’s strengths, looked unprepared for the opponent’s game plan, allowing big plays and crucial third-down conversions. Meanwhile, the offense failed to capitalize on key opportunities, committing costly turnovers and missing scoring chances that could have changed the outcome.

Freeman and his coaching staff now face tough questions about the team’s preparation and execution. Despite strong recruiting classes and solid player development, these unexpected losses continue to haunt Notre Dame and cast doubt on the program’s ability to return to championship contention.

### **Fan Reactions and Concerns**
Notre Dame fans, known for their passion and high expectations, took to social media to express their frustration. Many voiced concerns over the program’s trajectory under Freeman, questioning whether he is the right coach to lead the team back to national prominence.

Others defended Freeman, pointing out that he has brought in top-tier talent and has had success in big games. However, the inability to avoid stunning upsets remains a glaring issue.

### **Where Does Notre Dame Go From Here?**
Looking ahead, the Fighting Irish have little time to dwell on this loss, with a challenging schedule still ahead. Freeman and his staff must quickly regroup, fix the issues that led to this defeat, and ensure the team is better prepared moving forward.

If Notre Dame wants to be a true College Football Playoff contender, they must put an end to these unexpected losses. Otherwise, Freeman may continue finding himself answering tough questions after games the Irish should have won.