Marcus Freeman Reacts to Notre Dame’s Dominant Win Over Arkansas
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman spoke to the media after his team’s emphatic 56–13 victory over Arkansas, which evened the Fighting Irish’s record to 2-2. Freeman praised the team’s preparation, mental toughness, and execution, calling it their most complete performance of the season.
Freeman commended his players for staying focused amid both praise and criticism, emphasizing that the win was a full team effort across all three phases. He urged his team to enjoy the victory but remain committed to continual improvement.
On Defensive Growth
Freeman noted a major improvement in limiting explosive plays, especially in the passing game. He credited the simplified game plan, solid technique, and strong effort from the defense for stifling Arkansas, a top-five offense entering the game.
Praising QB CJ Carr
Freeman spoke highly of quarterback CJ Carr’s development, highlighting his work ethic, consistent preparation, and growing confidence. He said Carr’s progress is a reflection of his dedication to improving week after week.
On the Team’s Mindset During the Week
Freeman emphasized the team’s unity and accountability during a challenging week. He praised the leadership on defense and the coaching staff for avoiding finger-pointing and instead taking ownership of areas that needed to be fixed.
On the Secondary’s Performance
He attributed the secondary’s strong showing to a combination of understanding their assignments, playing aggressively, and maintaining a hungry mindset.
Importance of Early Defensive Stops
Freeman pointed out how holding Arkansas to field goals early on had a major impact, calling those stops “four-point swings” that set the tone for the game.
Jordan Faison’s Strong Start to 2025
Freeman praised Faison for consistently finding ways to make plays. He extended that praise to the entire wide receiver room for their unselfish attitude and team-first mentality.
Handling Outside Noise
Freeman reflected on how handling praise and success can be more difficult than dealing with adversity. He stressed the importance of maintaining high standards and a critical mindset regardless of the team’s record or public perception.
CJ Carr’s Leadership Qualities
Freeman described Carr as an elite competitor who prioritizes team success over personal stats. He highlighted Carr’s rare leadership traits and said his drive to win fuels his preparation and performance.
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