Despite Championship Loss, Irish Give Fans Season to Remember Back in May, Marcus Freeman sat before a room full of Notre Dame supporters and alumni at Sycamore Hills Golf Club in Fort Wayne and was asked about the lofty expectations of his team heading into the college football season. Coming off of a 10-3 record last year, and with key additions via the transfer portal, the pieces seemed to be in place for the Irish to make a run at what has been elusive postseason glory. Photos by Chad RyanNotre Dame coach Marcus Freeman glances from the sideline during the Fighting Irish’s 34-23 loss in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in Atlanta on Monday, January 20. “We’re excited,” Freeman told the crowd. “I’m excited. That’s why we’re at Notre Dame. We’re ready for this challenge. And I look forward to this ’24 season. It’s going to be special.” How right he was. It might not have felt that way immediately after the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in Atlanta on Monday, January 20. The scoreboard – if you could see it through the cloud of red confetti raining down onto the turf – read: Ohio State 34, Notre Dame 23. It was a disappointing end to an amazing run, no doubt, and those who weren’t paying attention to the magic that surrounded the Irish this season likely see the loss as just the latest in a decades-long list of postseason disappointments for Notre Dame – a continuation of the narrative that Notre Dame doesn’t belong on the biggest stage with more talented teams. The Band of the Fighting Irish marches outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Monday, January 20. But put the narrative aside – we’ll get back to that – and simply look at the facts. The 14 wins this season – including 13 in a row – set a school record. The Irish’s seven wins against ranked teams was the most in college football. With its win against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, the Irish ended a 31-year losing streak in major bowl games. Then, they won another, beating Penn State in the Orange Bowl to clinch a berth in the CFP Championship Game. Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, quarterback Riley Leonard (13) Against Ohio State, it looked as if the good times would roll on. Notre Dame began the game with an immaculate 18-play, 75-yard drive that was capped off by a Riley Leonard touchdown run. After his score, in what might be the enduring memory of the game for many, Leonard ran to the camera and pointed to his wristband that had “Matthew 23:12” embroidered on it. How many of the tens of millions of people watching at home grabbed their phones to Google the verse? It says, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price stiff-arms Ohio State safety Caleb Downs during the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Humility soon came in a wave of red and white, as the Buckeyes scored 31 consecutive points, and it looked like the rout many were expecting was on. Improbably, however, the Irish rallied as Leonard threw two touchdown passes to wide receiver Jaden Greathouse to cut Ohio State’s lead to 31-23. The Buckeyes kicked a late field goal to secure the win. After the game, Freeman was asked what he’d be most proud of when looking back at the journey of the season. He didn’t mention the opening win at Texas A&M or the playoff victories against Indiana, Georgia, or Penn State. No, he spoke of his players and how proud he was of them. “They were selfless,” he said. “It’s a trait that I think you will carry on for the rest of your life. … That’s what they did during the toughest times. They chose Notre Dame, and they chose each other. We had some wonderful leaders that continue to preach that message. It’s going to be a special event that really changes the trajection of Notre Dame football.” A Notre Dame fan covers his eyes during the CFP National Championship Game in Atlanta on Monday, January 20. In other words, the loss doesn’t define a season. It doesn’t define a coach or his players who made the 2024 Notre Dame season as special as any in recent memory. No, the legacy of this team will be the character it showed in winning and losing and the faith it displayed along the way – faith in Freeman, faith in one another, and, most importantly, faith in Christ, the glorified son of Our Lady, Notre Dame. Scott Warden is editor-in-chief of Today’s Catholic The post Win or Lose, Love Thee Notre Dame appeared first on Today's Catholic.