Notre Dame had coach Marcus Freeman was widely criticized on social media following his bizarre explanation of the last play of the game for his defense. The Irish surrendered a touchdown rush to Ohio State that gave the Buckeyes a win on the road in the top ten matchup.
Fans on social media pointed out that the Irish defense only had ten men on the field on the play Ohio State scored. Freeman was asked in his press conference following the game about the decision not to take a penalty in that situation and make sure they had 11 men on the field for the play.
Per a video by CBS Sports, Freeman said he didn’t have a time out to call, and the Irish couldn’t afford to take a penalty at the one-yard line.
"We were trying to get a 4th D-lineman on the field, and I told him just stay off… I didn't have any timeouts, right? So we couldn't afford a penalty there."
– Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman on having only 10 players on the field for final play pic.twitter.com/Fqtp7oqz0Z
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) September 24, 2023
Half the distance to the goal from the one? The Irish absolutely needed a penalty there instead of, you know, GIVING UP THE GAME WINNING TOUCHDOWN WITH TIME EXPIRING.
Notre Dame fans react to Marcus Freeman’s explanation
Here are the best takes of fans reacting to Freeman’s explanation for not taking a penalty and just playing with ten men.
Couldn't afford a penalty?? Come on man ..
— A2D Radio (NoNotes) (@a2dradio) September 24, 2023
Half a yard marked off at most for the penalty is definitely worth it
— Ryan L (@ryannealg) September 24, 2023
A 6" penalty?😬
— Robert Shankle (@sozorobshankle) September 24, 2023
You literally could afford it. It’s 6 inches! No new downs!! It might be the only time ever (next to a delay of game on a punt) where you CAN afford it.
— Dinosauer (@n10siveporpoise) September 24, 2023
Half the distance to the goal, right? From the 1…
— Boombear Bill (@Boombearjr) September 24, 2023
— Joe LaCava Was Wrong (@DoNotBeAClown) September 24, 2023
which would you rather do?
defend goal line from:
1 yard line with 10 players
or
0.5 yard line with 11 players?
— sober (@dangercat5000) September 24, 2023
Did you purposely let Ohio St. get 2 plays with you only having 10 players on the field?
Marcus Freeman: pic.twitter.com/CFTCCElZ6o
— Brendan (@Brndn75) September 24, 2023
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