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4h ago

Freeman Stands By DC Chris Ash With Leonard Moore Questionable for Trip to Arkansas

Notre Dame seeks cleaner defensive execution after a 1-2 start with national rankings near the bottom.

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman looks on in the second half of a NCAA football game against Texas A&M at Notre Dame Stadium, © MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE
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Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore (15) interrupts a reception attempt by Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (3) during the first round of the College Football Playoff between Notre Dame and Indiana on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in South Bend. MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Overview

  • Marcus Freeman said Notre Dame’s defensive problems stem from execution rather than playcalling and he is not removing duties from first-year coordinator Chris Ash.
  • Freeman described a tense defensive-staff meeting and urged a collective “fight” response as the staff works to correct breakdowns.
  • Starting cornerback Leonard Moore is officially questionable with an ankle injury for the Arkansas game, and nickelback DeVonta Smith is also questionable.
  • The Irish have allowed at least 27 points in each game and rank 117th nationally in points allowed and 99th in yards per play allowed.
  • Notre Dame moved to 1-2 with a 56-30 win over Purdue, and analyst Joel Klatt said the Irish essentially must win out to stay in the College Football Playoff conversation.