Notre Dame Head Coach Marcus Freeman emphasized the team’s resilience and execution following a 38-21 victory over Syracuse on November 22, 2025, at Yankee Stadium in New York City. The win secured Notre Dame’s ninth victory of the season and positioned them favorably as they approach their final regular season game.
The Fighting Irish concluded the regular season with a 9-3 record, navigating a challenging schedule and demonstrating betterment in key areas throughout the year. This victory holds meaningful implications for potential bowl game invitations and national rankings, impacting the program’s postseason opportunities and recruiting efforts. Freeman’s postgame comments highlighted the importance of maintaining focus and continuing to develop as a team.
Freeman opened his press conference acknowledging the challenging environment and Syracuse’s competitive spirit. “That was a physical football game,” Freeman stated. “Syracuse is a well-coached team, and they came here ready to play. I’m proud of our guys for responding and finding a way to win.” He specifically praised the team’s ability to overcome adversity and execute their game plan effectively.
Addressing the offensive performance, Freeman noted the importance of establishing a consistent running game. Running back Audric Estimé lead the Irish ground attack, contributing considerably to the team’s overall offensive success. “We wanted to be able to run the football,” Freeman explained. “When you can control the line of scrimmage and run the ball effectively, it makes everything else easier.”
Defensively,Freeman highlighted the team’s ability to contain the Syracuse offense and generate key turnovers. He emphasized the importance of the defensive line’s pressure and the secondary’s coverage. “Our defense played really well today,” Freeman said. ”They were able to get pressure on the quarterback and make some big plays in the secondary.”
Looking ahead, Freeman stressed the importance of maintaining momentum and preparing for the team’s final regular season contest. He emphasized the need for continued improvement and a relentless focus on execution. “We’re not where we want to be yet,” Freeman concluded. ”We have a lot of work to do, but I’m proud of the progress we’ve made. We need to continue to get better every day.”
