Leonard Praised: Notre Dame's CFP Shortcoming

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Post on Jan 25, 2025

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Leonard Praised: Notre Dame's CFP Shortcoming

Notre Dame's absence from the College Football Playoff (CFP) continues to spark debate, with many pointing to the team's performance and schedule as key factors. However, the praise heaped upon head coach Marcus Freeman and his young team shouldn't be overlooked. While the season ultimately fell short of a CFP berth, the Fighting Irish demonstrated significant growth and potential under Freeman's leadership. This article will delve into the reasons behind Notre Dame's CFP shortcoming, analyzing both the successes and shortcomings of the season while highlighting the promising future under Freeman.

A Season of Progress, Despite the Setback

The 2023 season for Notre Dame was a rollercoaster. They showcased flashes of brilliance, dominating opponents with their powerful running game and tenacious defense. Yet, critical losses, particularly against highly-ranked opponents, ultimately sealed their fate. The team's final record, while respectable, wasn't enough to secure a CFP invitation. This wasn't a total failure, however. It was a season of significant progress under a relatively new coaching regime, a building block for future success.

The Strengths: Defense and a Ground Game

Notre Dame's defense proved to be a consistent strength throughout the season. Their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks and limit big plays was a crucial factor in many of their victories. The defensive line, in particular, consistently disrupted opposing offenses, creating turnovers and setting the tone for the game. This defensive prowess, coupled with a strong rushing attack led by talented running backs, provided a solid foundation for the team's success. The offensive line also showed significant improvement, paving the way for a potent running game that kept opposing defenses honest.

The Weaknesses: Inconsistent Offense and Critical Losses

Despite the strong running game and impressive defense, Notre Dame struggled with consistency, particularly on offense. The passing game, at times, lacked explosiveness, limiting the team's ability to consistently move the ball down the field against elite defenses. This inconsistency proved costly in critical games, where the inability to put points on the board against top-tier opponents led to devastating losses. These losses, especially against ranked opponents, ultimately proved insurmountable in the quest for a CFP berth.

Analyzing the Key Losses: Where Notre Dame Faltered

The losses that ultimately derailed Notre Dame's CFP hopes were not simply the result of bad luck. A closer examination reveals crucial areas where the team needed to improve to compete at the highest level.

The Ohio State Game: A Close Call with Major Implications

The season-opening loss to Ohio State was a particularly tough blow. While the game was extremely competitive, showcasing Notre Dame's ability to hang with a top-ranked team, it highlighted the team's need for greater consistency on offense. The inability to convert key drives in the red zone proved decisive, leaving the Fighting Irish with a narrow defeat that cast a long shadow on the rest of the season.

Subsequent Setbacks: Learning from Mistakes

While the Ohio State game set the tone, subsequent losses further underscored the challenges faced by the team. These losses exposed vulnerabilities in the offense's ability to consistently perform under pressure against superior defenses. The team learned valuable lessons from these setbacks, but the damage was already done in terms of CFP aspirations.

Marcus Freeman: A Rising Star in Coaching

Despite the CFP setback, Marcus Freeman's coaching deserves significant praise. He instilled a winning culture and fostered a strong sense of unity and purpose within the team. His ability to motivate and develop young players was evident throughout the season, with numerous players exceeding expectations. His recruiting efforts have also yielded promising results, setting the stage for a bright future for the program.

Recruiting and the Future of Notre Dame Football

Freeman's recruiting prowess is a significant asset to the Notre Dame program. He's attracting top talent, building a pipeline of exceptional players who are eager to contribute to the team's success. This strong recruiting class signifies a commitment to sustained success in the future, suggesting that the CFP drought might be a temporary setback rather than a sign of long-term decline.

Lessons Learned and Future Outlook

The 2023 season, while falling short of the ultimate goal, was a valuable learning experience for the team and coaching staff. The team identified areas needing improvement, particularly in offensive consistency and clutch performance in high-pressure situations. These lessons will be crucial as they prepare for the upcoming season. The future of Notre Dame football under Freeman looks bright.

The Significance of the Non-Conference Schedule

Notre Dame's non-conference schedule played a role in their CFP chances. While challenging teams outside the ACC provides valuable experience and strengthens the team's resume, it also carries greater risk of loss. A loss early in the season, as was the case against Ohio State, can significantly impact a team's final ranking and CFP prospects.

Conclusion: Building Towards CFP Contention

Notre Dame's failure to reach the CFP in 2023 shouldn't overshadow the significant progress made under Marcus Freeman. The team demonstrated commendable strength in defense and the running game, but inconsistencies in the passing game and critical losses prevented them from reaching their full potential. However, the foundation for future success has been laid. With a strong recruiting class, a dedicated coaching staff, and the lessons learned from the 2023 season, Notre Dame is well-positioned to contend for a CFP berth in the years to come. The praise directed towards Freeman is well-deserved, not just for his immediate impact but for the future he is building for Notre Dame football. The team's journey towards CFP contention is ongoing, and the 2023 season serves as a stepping stone towards a brighter future.