SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Nine final thoughts on Notre Dame going out (almost) on top after its 34-23 loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

Marcus Freeman's Notre Dame Fighting Irish play the Ohio State Buckeyes in the national championship Monday. Here are five facts.

Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman earned wide-spread criticism during Monday’s 34-23 loss to Ohio State in the national title game when he opted for a field goal while trailing by 16 in the fourth quarter.

In hindsight, Notre Dame women’s basketball coach Niele Ivey isn’t surprised that football coach Marcus Freeman was one step ahead. Knowing him as well as she does now, it tracks.

Marcus Freeman has done one of the best jobs in college football this season, leading Notre Dame to the national championship after the Fighting Irish were upset by Northern Illinois in their second game of the season.

Marcus Freeman spoke about his decision to kick a field goal while down 16 points to Ohio State in national championship game.

Facing fourth-and-goal, down 31-15 early in the fourth quarter in a College Football Playoff National Championship clash against Ohio State, Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman elected to kick a field goal.

How did Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman size up the other teams in the country in his final US LBM Coaches Poll?

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish had an incredible season, going 11-1 to earn a spot in the College Football Playoff as the No. 7 seed. They went on an impressive

(EDITORS NOTE: caption correction) Jan 9, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman celebrates defeating the Penn State Nittany Lions in the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium. / Sam Navarro-Imagn Images