The Notre Dame Fighting Irish entered the 2025 College Football National Championship Game as a significant underdog to the Ohio State Buckeyes. That didn’t sit quite right with head coach Marcus Freeman, who issued a fiery response ahead of the game.
Notre Dame Head Coach Marcus Freeman Defies Underdog Status In Fiery Pregame Interview
Since losing to the Northern Illinois Huskies in Week 2, Notre Dame has been counted out by man fans and media. Even as they prepared to fight for a first national title since 1988, the oddsmakers had made the program an 8.5-point underdog. As Marcus Freeman took to the field, he had a euphoric message to those who doubted his Fighting Irish team on the biggest stage in college football.
“We’re not underdogs, we’re some dogs!”
Marcus Freeman’s pregame message to his team 🔥 pic.twitter.com/dyopa8HpT8
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) January 21, 2025
“I just told them in the locker room, Vegas got half of it right,” Freeman told ESPN sideline reporter Molly McGrath before issuing one of the most iconic lines you will ever here on live TV.
“I said, Vegas got half of it right. We’re not underdogs, but we’re some dogs, and dogs go hunt. It’s time to go.”
The Fighting Irish were clearly inspired by their head coach’s words. Losing the toss and receiving the ball to open the game, Notre Dame trampled downfield with a 75-yard drive that took almost 10 minutes off the clock.
Quarterback Riley Leonard, a pivotal part of Notre Dame’s success this season, was responsible for 65 of the 75 total yards, showcasing his ability to grind out yardage on the ground while finding three different receivers.
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