The stage is set for college football’s grand finale as the No. 8 seed Ohio State Buckeyes and No. 7 seed Notre Dame Fighting Irish prepare to clash for the national championship. Both teams have navigated a rigorous College Football Playoff to earn their place in this highly anticipated showdown, promising a thrilling contest in Atlanta.
As part of the pre-game festivities, media day provided a platform for the coaches to share insights. ESPN’s Chris Fowler, who will be calling the game, moderated a conversation between the two head coaches. When asked what question he would pose to Ohio State’s Ryan Day, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman didn’t miss a beat.
“How many different ways do you plan to get the ball to [Jeremiah Smith]?” Freeman inquired, referencing Ohio State’s standout player.
Freeman, an Ohio State alumnus, spoke highly of his former team, lauding both the coaching and talent that have propelled the Buckeyes to this stage.
“They’ve got an unbelievable team, great talent, well-coached, and some special players,” Freeman remarked. “That was the one question—how many different ways are you gonna get the ball to number four? But I’ve got a lot of respect for Coach Day. Being a former player, when I’m not playing them, I’m a huge Ohio State fan. That’s your alma mater, and the job he’s done leading that program has been tremendous. So, I’ve got a lot of respect for him.”
Freeman’s ties to Ohio State run deep, having played for the Buckeyes from 2004 to 2008. This matchup marks the second time he will face his alma mater as a head coach, the first being a nail-biter where Ohio State narrowly triumphed 17-14. As the teams prepare to meet again, the stakes are higher than ever, and fans are poised for a potential instant classic.
