Before the Sugar Bowl quarterfinal against Georgia, Notre Dame announced that head coach Marcus Freeman has been named the 2024 Dodd Trophy Coach of the Year. This prestigious award honors a coach who exemplifies scholarship, leadership, and integrity both on and off the field. Freeman’s selection highlights his exceptional leadership and commitment to excellence.
In his final pre-game press conference, Freeman expressed gratitude to the Sugar Bowl Committee and the city of New Orleans for their hospitality. He emphasized the team’s readiness for the upcoming challenge against Georgia, stating, “We’re finishing up our preparation, and we’re going to have to use every minute we can to be prepared for this opportunity tomorrow night.”
Freeman also addressed the health of key players, noting that running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarain Price are both healthy and ready to contribute. He highlighted the team’s approach to rotating running backs to maintain their health and effectiveness throughout the season.
Additionally, Freeman discussed the team’s motto, “choosing hard,” which reflects the challenges and commitments of playing at Notre Dame. He emphasized the importance of embracing these challenges and maintaining urgency in improving every week.
For a deeper insight into Freeman’s preparation for the game, you can watch the following video: