[T특종] 메르컬 프리먼의 노트르담 대폭발! 2024 시즌 기록 최초 13승
Notre Dame football, under the leadership of head coach Marcus Freeman, has undergone a significant transformation and is now a formidable force in college football.
Coach Marcus Freeman’s Background
Marcus Freeman, born on January 10, 1986, is an American football coach and former linebacker. He played college football at Ohio State and was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL draft, although he never appeared in a regular-season NFL game. Freeman’s coaching career includes stints at the University of Cincinnati, Purdue University, Kent State University, and The Ohio State University before joining Notre Dame as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach in 2021.
Transition to Head Coach
Following Brian Kelly’s departure to LSU in December 2021, Freeman was appointed as the 32nd head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Despite a challenging start, including losses to Ohio State and Marshall, Freeman led the team to an 8-4 regular season record in 2022, culminating in a Gator Bowl victory over South Carolina.
2023 Season Highlights
The 2023 season was anticipated to be a step forward for Freeman’s team. With the addition of top-ranked quarterback Sam Hartman from Wake Forest, the Irish began the season strongly, rising to 9th in the rankings after a 4-0 start. Despite some setbacks, including a heartbreaking loss to Ohio State and subsequent losses to Louisville and Clemson, the team rebounded with significant wins, notably a 48-20 victory over USC and Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Caleb Williams. The season concluded with a 10-3 record and a 40-8 win over Oregon State in the Sun Bowl, finishing ranked 14th.
2024 Season and Playoff Success
The 2024 season has been a breakout year for Notre Dame under Freeman. The team started with a win over No. 20 Texas A&M but suffered a surprising loss to Northern Illinois. However, they rebounded with a 10-game winning streak, including victories over No. 15 Louisville, No. 24 Navy, No. 19 Army, and a 49-35 win against USC. This streak earned them the 7th seed in the College Football Playoff. In the playoff semifinals, Notre Dame hosted and defeated No. 10 Indiana 27-17, and then beat No. 2 Georgia 23-10 in a rescheduled game due to the 2025 New Orleans truck attack. This marked the first 13-win season in Notre Dame’s history.
Current Standings and Upcoming Game
As of the latest updates, Notre Dame is set to face No. 6 Penn State in the Orange Bowl on January 9, 2025, with a spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship on the line. The team is currently ranked 3rd in the AP, Coaches, and CBS Sports polls, reflecting their strong performance this season.
Key Players and Team Statistics
The 2024 season has been characterized by strong performances from players such as star running back Audric Estime, quarterback Sam Hartman, tight end Mitchell Evans, and safety Xavier Watts. Despite early injuries to veteran receivers, the team has managed to adapt and thrive. The Irish have a robust defense, ranking 5th in passing defense and 8th overall, while their offense ranks 11th in rushing yards per game.
Future Outlook
Under Marcus Freeman’s leadership, Notre Dame has closed the athletic gap with college football’s heavyweights, now competing at the top level. The team’s fast-paced and big-play offense, combined with a strong defense, has positioned them as serious contenders for the national championship. As they prepare to face Penn State in the Orange Bowl, the Fighting Irish are poised for another historic season.
[본 글은 AI가 지난 24시간 동안 가장 주목받는 트렌드 키워드를 기반으로 심층적인 정보 분석을 통해 자동 생성한 콘텐츠입니다. 최신 정보를 신뢰성 있게 제공합니다.]