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    Legendary College Football Program Urged to Cut Ties With Coach on Saturday

    By Chris Phelps,

    2024-09-07

    On Saturday, Marcus Freeman and the No. 5 Notre Dame Fighting Irish suffered a stunning 16-14 defeat against the Northern Illinois Huskies after their game-winning field goal attempt was blocked. The Irish were heavy 44.5-point favorites going into this game, but the Huskies did not make it easy for them.

    Northern Illinois battled the top-ranked team as hard as they could have in the first half, going into halftime with a 13-7 lead. Irish quarterback Riley Leonard, who transferred from Duke earlier this year, struggled to get things going. He finished the game with just 163 yards through the air and two interceptions.

    The Irish are coming off a 23-13 win over Texas A&M in Week 1. Spirits were certainly high after beating the top-25 team, but Northern Illinois has dampened them a good bit with their play.

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2OXZTQ_0vOWzrgo00
    Notre Dame Fighting Irish coach Marcus Freeman.

    Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

    Freeman is receiving a majority of the criticism for Notre Dame's performance in Week 2. Even though his teams have improved over the last two seasons, both of which ended with bowl wins, Freeman finds himself on the hot seat with the loss.

    At least that's what fans are demanding online as they watched their championship-hopeful team lose in dramatic fashion.

    "When do the 'Fire Marcus Freeman' chants begin in South Bend?" one fan asked.

    "You can fire Marcus Freeman and his staff after this loss."

    "I’ve been saying it for years FIRE MARCUS FREEMAN"

    "I’m out on Marcus Freeman. He’s not a big time coach. Getting completely out coached by basically Jason Whitlock lol. Also, out on Riley Leonard. Gonna be a 4 loss team this year."

    "Marcus Freeman should be fired after this game no question"

    "Marcus freeman needs to go. You cannot allow a loss like this as a top program. THE END"

    Freeman started at Notre Dame in 2021 as the defensive coordinator. Following Brian Kelly's departure at the end of the 2021 regular season, Freeman was selected to replace him. He took control immediately, coaching the Irish in their Fiesta Bowl loss to Oklahoma State.

    Related: Demand Increases For College Football Coach's Firing After Rough Week 1 Start

    Related: College Football QB Facing Intense Backlash After Costly Taunting Penalty

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    Comments / 41
    Add a Comment
    Rich Geiser
    30d ago
    You can fire Coach Freeman and staff. Next year they'll lose another game. You going to keep firing ? You'll never win. Maybe he's using the wrong QB?
    Theresa Lyczynski
    09-09
    Here we go again, we lose and alumni dictates to fire
    View all comments
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