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2w ago

Marcus Freeman Stands By DC Chris Ash, Urges Execution Before Notre Dame’s Test at Arkansas

Notre Dame's defense has yielded 27-plus in every game, with secondary injuries raising stakes against a top‑10 Razorbacks attack.

Will Taylen Green and the Arkansas Razorbacks beat the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Saturday? College football Week 5 predictions, picks, odds preview the game on Sept. 27, 2025.
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Fans celebrate after Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price (24) returned a kick-off for a touchdown during the first half of a NCAA football game against Purdue at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in South Bend.
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

Overview

  • Notre Dame improved to 1-2 with a 56-30 win over Purdue, yet the defense has allowed at least 27 points in all three games and ranks 117th in scoring defense and 99th in yards per play allowed.
  • Freeman dismissed taking over playcalling from first-year coordinator Chris Ash, calling the issue execution rather than scheme, and he held a blunt staff meeting to press accountability.
  • Cornerback Leonard Moore and nickelback DeVonta Smith are both questionable with ankle injuries for Saturday’s trip to Fayetteville.
  • Arkansas is 2-2 but features a top‑10 offense led by quarterback Taylen Green, who has 12 passing touchdowns and also tops the team in rushing.
  • Analyst Joel Klatt projects the Irish essentially need to win out to remain in the College Football Playoff conversation, as Sam Pittman touts the matchup as an opportunity to shift perceptions.