Notre Dame and Penn State Coaches Poised to Make Historic CFP Semifinal Clash

Marcus Freeman and James Franklin aim to become the first Black head coach to lead a team to the national championship amid scheduling challenges for Notre Dame.

• Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman and Penn State coach James Franklin are competing to become the first Black head coach to reach the College Football Playoff national championship game.
• Notre Dame faces a shorter preparation window after their quarterfinal game against Georgia was delayed due to a deadly terrorist attack in New Orleans.
• Freeman emphasized the importance of expediting mental preparation and maintaining focus despite the condensed schedule, calling it a 'normal game week.'
• Penn State, having played its quarterfinal game earlier, has had more recovery and preparation time, raising questions about fairness in scheduling.
• Both coaches highlighted the broader significance of their matchup for representation and opportunities for Black coaches in college football.

4 Articles

EssentiallySports The Philadelphia Inquirer ESPN ESPN