Notre Dame’s head coach, Marcus Freeman, leveraged every resource at his disposal—including remarks from Penn State’s James Franklin—to secure a 27-24 victory over the Nittany Lions in the Orange Bowl.
Head coach Marcus Freeman and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrated a thrilling 27-24 victory over the Penn State Nittany Lions in the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium, earning a spot in the national championship game. This emotional win, driven by resilience and strategy, showcased Freeman’s ability to inspire his team and turn every challenge into an advantage — even playful jabs from Penn State’s James Franklin.
Before Mitch Jeter nailed the game-winning 41-yard field goal, before Christian Gray’s game-changing interception, and before Jeremiyah Love defied odds with a standout performance on an injured knee, Freeman delivered a fiery pregame message to his team.
Speaking to his players at the Diplomat Hotel, Freeman carried the weight of a perceived slight from Franklin during a pregame press conference. Franklin had jokingly commented on Freeman’s youth and hairline — remarks Freeman took as condescending. What might have been harmless banter elsewhere became fuel for Freeman and his team.
“He was mad,” safety Xavier Watts said. “That anger shifted to us and showed on the field.”
Notre Dame, facing injuries to key players and moments of adversity, leaned on that intensity. With a backup quarterback, two substitute offensive linemen, and a determined defense, the Irish overcame every obstacle Penn State presented. Franklin’s remarks added extra motivation.
A Game of Resilience and Big Plays
Notre Dame’s victory wasn’t just about using motivational fuel; it was about execution. Down 10-0 early, backup quarterback Steve Angeli steadied the ship after starter Riley Leonard left with a head injury. Angeli led a crucial field goal drive to keep the Irish within striking distance before halftime.
Freeman’s halftime speech reignited the team, demanding a follow-up to their Sugar Bowl triumph over Georgia. The defense, which struggled early, locked down on Penn State’s rushing duo of Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton, while Love delivered a gutsy performance.
Love, playing on a braced knee after an aggravated MCL injury, powered through with critical runs, including a bruising 2-yard touchdown and another highlight-reel moment to give Notre Dame a 17-10 lead in the fourth quarter.
“I just said, ‘F— it’ and went out there,” Love said. “I trust God’s plan for me.”
A Dramatic Finish
As Penn State rallied with two Singleton touchdowns to take a 24-17 lead, Leonard returned and connected with Jaden Greathouse for a game-tying 54-yard touchdown. Greathouse, who tallied 105 yards on seven catches, reflected on the team’s resilience: “This team has battled adversity all year.”
Notre Dame’s defense sealed the game in dramatic fashion. Drew Allar’s late interception — this time by Christian Gray after earlier penalties negated two turnovers — positioned the Irish for Jeter’s clutch field goal.
“He’s gonna throw us one,” Watts said. “And it came at the biggest moment.”
With the clock winding down, Freeman’s squad methodically advanced into field goal range. Jeter’s kick sent Notre Dame to the national championship, their first since 1988.
Marcus Freeman’s Milestone
As the Irish celebrated, linebacker Jack Kiser reflected on Freeman’s leadership. The victory carried special significance: it marked Freeman’s 39th birthday in the early hours of January 10.
“People treat him like the young guy, but he’s a leader we want to fight for,” Kiser said. “When you put gas on that fire, it gets explosive.”
Freeman and the Fighting Irish are now one step away from a national title — and it’s clear they’ll tackle that challenge with the same fiery determination that carried them past Penn State.
