As the Notre Dame Fighting Irish gears up to face the Ohio State Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff National Championship, tensions are rising and aggressive takes are floating around the media. Before the semifinals, Penn State head coach James Franklin threw a slight jab at Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman, highlighting the coach’s youth.
“I’m looking at, I’m looking over here at Marcus,” Franklin said. “And how old are you now, Marcus? Thirty-eight, I mean, look at the hairline on this guy. I mean, envious of his hairline in a lot of ways. But Marcus has done, done a phenomenal job.”
The backhanded compliment likely served as fuel for Freeman, whose team defeated Penn State 27-24.
Ryan Day Offers Compliments to Marcus Freeman Ahead of National Championship Game
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day took the opposite approach in his joint press conference with Freeman on Sunday morning. Day shared his admiration for Freeman, praising him for the work he’s done at Notre Dame and assuring him that the Buckeyes have tremendous respect for him.
“Everybody at Ohio State respects Marcus and the fact that he went to Ohio State and had a great career there and certainly have a lot of respect for what he’s done in his coaching career and what he’s doing,” Day said. “He’s a tremendous coach and does an unbelievable job.”
Freeman joined the Fighting Irish in 2021 and is currently 39 years old. With his team playing in the national championship, regardless of the outcome, his hard work and progress are unquestionable. Add that to his youth, and Freeman no doubt has the makings of a Hall of Fame coaching career.
Freeman Praises Day and States He Does Things ‘The Right Way’
Freeman — a former Buckeye — also had praise for Ohio State, particularly for Day.
“I know Coach Day and a lot of coaches on their staff that do things the right way,” Freeman said. “You can aspire to win national championships, but you also want to develop the young men that come through your program, and I think both of our programs do a great job of that.”
Day’s track record echoes Coach Freeman’s words. Despite being burdened by heavy criticism for much of his career, Day has consistently proven himself, bouncing back from failure and pushing the Buckeyes to greater heights.
MORE: Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman Offers Firm Rebuttal to NFL Rumors
After Ohio State lost to the Michigan Wolverines, their second loss of the season, fans called for Day to be fired. Yet, he’s responded with humility and led the Buckeyes to multiple playoff victories.
If the Buckeyes win the national championship, Day’s record will be 70-10, which is incredible considering his brief tenure as head coach.
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