A 37-35 loss to Oklahoma State in the Fiesta Bowl has dampened some of the excitement around new Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman.
However, some former players couldn’t help but to notice how the offense looked noticeably more aggressive than it typically did during the Brian Kelly era. The Irish focused on playaction and quick passes, and scored 28 points against a quality Oklahoma State defense.
The change was so obvious that three former Notre Dame quarterbacks — Brady Quinn, De’Shone Kizer, and Malik Zaire all had to ponder whether Brian Kelly was holding everything back.
Unfortunately, the offense died a slow and painful death in the second half as they could only score a touchdown, which came extremely late in the fourth quarter.
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The defense would give up 23 points and the Fighting Irish would blow a 28-7 lead and lose 37-35.
Kelly surprised many by leaving Notre Dame for LSU, but the program kept continuity by promoting Freeman from defensive coordinator and linebackers coach to head coach.
Freeman remained upbeat after the game.
“You like to learn from a win, but this is going to be a learning opportunity in a loss,” the coach said after the game.
Notre Dame has every reason to be excited for next season and what is in store.
