With Dan out of town, Ty chats with Pete Sampson of The Athletic and The Independent Podcast about Notre Dame’s journey to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game and how Marcus Freeman navigated a season that was nearly over before it started after a Week 2 loss to Northern Illinois. Some topics discussed include:

• Marcus Freeman's Evolution: They delve into Marcus Freeman's growth as Notre Dame's head coach, moving from a first-time leader to a confident strategist with a hard-edged, old-school approach.
• Injury Challenges and Roster Management: How Freeman effectively navigated a season plagued by injuries, leveraging improved roster management and strategic use of the transfer portal.
• Riley Leonard's Performance: A candid evaluation of Notre Dame’s transfer quarterback, Riley Leonard, highlighting his running ability and leadership while discussing why his passing game didn’t fully materialize.
• Home Playoff Game Atmosphere: Pete shares his firsthand experience of Notre Dame's electric playoff environment against Indiana, with a personal anecdote comparing it to a Taylor Swift concert.
• 2025 Season Preview: Who’s the smart money on for starting quarterback next season? How will Notre Dame cope with key departures on defense? Pete and Ty look at CJ Carr's potential and the challenges awaiting Notre Dame in a front-loaded schedule.

Read transcripts & learn more about the show on our website: https://www.solidverbal.com/episodes/marcus-freemans-masterclass-and-notre-dames-journey-with-pete-sampson/

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