Anthony Mackie watched on as Fighting Irish came out second best, marking a disappointing night one of college football’s most storied programs.
And as Ohio State coach Ryan Day lifted the trophy, Notre Dame counterpart Freeman’s heartbreaking reaction as he watched on a TV was captured on camera.
The 39-year-old, an Ohio native who started his own college career with the Buckeyes, was seen staring at the screen despondently during his former alma mater’s celebrations.
Freeman narrowly missed out on the chance to guide Notre Dame to championship glory in his fourth season at the helm, having taken over as head coach back in 2021.
The other about sending Mitch Jeter in for a short field goal attempt while down 16 and facing fourth-and-goal from the 9. It might have looked like a better call had Jeter’s kick not clanged off the left upright.
Really, though, Ohio State was the better team. The Buckeyes outgained Notre Dame 445 yards to 308 and quarterback Will Howard completed his first 13 passes and never really got stopped.
Ohio State’s victory was the ninth National Championship in program history and running back Quinshon Judkins dominated with three touchdowns and 121 yards from 13 touches.
Also in attendance was the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s youngest daughter, the Rev. Bernice King, who is CEO of The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.
This was the first time the CFP national championship game was held on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and also the first time the game was played on the day of a presidential inauguration.read more…..
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