SOUTH BEND, Ind. — As the College Football Playoff picture crystalizes, the No. 9 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (9-2) find themselves on the precipice, heading into their regular-season finale against Stanford (4-7). For Head Coach Marcus Freeman, the finish line isn’t a cue to relax, but a signal to intensify focus, a mindset echoing the profound determination seen from veteran coaches navigating high-stakes scenarios.

Marcus Freeman’s ‘Super Bowl’ Philosophy

In a world of swirling playoff scenarios and ‘what-ifs,’ Coach Freeman’s message to his squad is unwavering: the present is paramount. He views the upcoming clash with Stanford not just as another game, but as the team’s ‘Super Bowl.’

“You start thinking about this big picture and what’s happening in an uncertain future, that’s added pressure that you don’t need,” Freeman emphasizes. “This is the Super Bowl. I’ve said that plenty of times. But it is.”

This single-minded pursuit of victory, reminiscent of the unwavering resolve displayed by legendary strategists, from NFL coaches like Frank Reich during critical playoff runs to collegiate icons, is precisely what Notre Dame needs to maintain its hard-won position. While the sport’s final weekend could bring chaos or uphold the status quo, Freeman ensures his team remains anchored in the immediate task, unaffected by external narratives or the performance of rivals like Michigan or Ohio State.

The Unsung Heroes: Impact of Portal Additions

Notre Dame’s consistent performance throughout the season owes much to its strategic acquisitions from the transfer portal. What began as a slow-to-gel group has transformed into a formidable unit, delivering pivotal plays week after week.

• Jalen Stroman: A pick-six and a blocked punt last week showcased his game-changing ability.
• DeVonta Smith: Timely pass breakups have been crucial for the defense.
• Malachi Fields & Will Pauling: Providing explosive plays, from circus catches to deep threats.
• Jared Dawson: Collapsing pockets, disrupting opposing offenses.

Unlike previous classes, this eight-man haul boasts no ‘outright misses,’ a testament to the scouting and integration process. Their collective buy-in to a team-first ethos, as highlighted by Freeman, is the bedrock of their success.

“You embrace your role. You put team before self… That’s what team glory is, is that if you put everything into your defined role, you should feel like there is nobody that gets more credit,” Freeman states, underlining the importance of every player’s contribution.

Madden Faraimo: Stepping Up When It Counts

With the devastating loss of versatile linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa to a left knee injury, freshman Madden Faraimo is no longer just a promising talent; he’s a necessity. Viliamu-Asa, a defensive linchpin known for his pass-rush skills, leaves big shoes to fill, but Faraimo is ready for the challenge.

Defensive Coordinator Chris Ash acknowledges Viliamu-Asa’s unique talent: “He’s a special player… It’s gonna be his production, his play, it’s gotta be made up by committee.” Faraimo, who has steadily increased his snap count and reps, steps into a crucial role, backing up Drayk Bowen. His familiarity with Viliamu-Asa, both being California products and former youth teammates, could ease his transition into this elevated responsibility.

Special Teams Struggles: A Hidden Hurdle?

While Notre Dame’s offense has been a juggernaut, scoring touchdown after touchdown, the kicking game remains a perplexing concern. The Irish rank last among Power 4 schools in both field goals made and attempted, a statistic that speaks volumes about the operation’s perceived reliability.

Freshman kicker Erik Schmidt, while showing improvement in practice and maintaining a perfect record on 23 consecutive extra points, has yet to make a field goal. Special teams coordinator Marty Biagi sees progress, noting Schmidt’s “huge strides” and “increasing his field goal percentage” in practice. The potential return of Noah Burnette could offer a solution, but until then, the Irish hope their offense continues its scoring spree, avoiding situations that necessitate critical field goal attempts.

The Power of a Strong Finish

There’s a compelling pattern emerging for Notre Dame: they close strong. Last season, after an early loss, they surged, winning 10 straight by an average of 30.7 points. This year, following a Week 2 defeat, they’ve rattled off nine consecutive wins, averaging a dominant 29.7 points. This consistent late-season dominance suggests a team peaking at the right time.

As the Irish confront Stanford, the focus remains laser-sharp: execute and prove their playoff worthiness one final time. Expect Notre Dame to continue their impressive run, securing a decisive victory.

Prediction: Notre Dame 42, Stanford 14