No. 9 Notre Dame is focused on securing a spot in the College Football Playoff as they prepare to face a struggling Syracuse team. With a record of 8-2, Notre Dame hopes a decisive victory against the 3-7 Orange will help them move up in the rankings and possibly land a home playoff game.
As the Fighting Irish approach senior day, emotions are high. Coach Marcus Freeman emphasizes the need for his players to maintain their competitive edge despite the sentimental atmosphere. “You run out there for what you know could be your last time in Notre Dame Stadium, but after you see your families and you get back to that sideline, you have to flip the switch back to competition mode,” Freeman explained. He added that it is crucial for coaches to prepare their players for this emotional transition.
Senior tight end Eli Raridon expressed the desire of the senior class to keep their season alive. “Our seniors want nothing else than to keep playing games, and it”d be awesome if we had one more home game in December,” Raridon commented, referring to the possibility of achieving a ranking that could secure them a playoff opportunity.
On the other side, Syracuse”s season has taken a downward turn since the injury to quarterback Steve Angeli. After a promising start, Angeli, who transferred from Notre Dame, suffered a torn Achilles tendon during an impressive win against Clemson. Since that game, the Orange have struggled offensively, averaging only 11.7 points per game and losing six consecutive matchups.
Syracuse coach Fran Brown plans to start freshman walk-on quarterback Joe Filardi, who is also a member of the lacrosse team. Filardi previously struggled in a start against North Carolina but managed to throw a touchdown pass against Miami. “Joe”s a guy that”s going to be that quarterback, and I”m thinking Luke (Carney) will probably get some time this week also,” Brown said.
In addition to the quarterback situation, Freeman noted that wide receiver Jaden Greathouse is unlikely to play against Syracuse or in the regular-season finale at Stanford. The coaching staff is considering redshirting Greathouse to preserve his eligibility. “Right now, that”s our mindset, if we don”t have to play him this week, let”s try not to,” Freeman mentioned, indicating that the team wants to ensure Greathouse is ready if they advance beyond the Stanford game.
Following a tough loss to North Carolina, Brown announced several changes to the Syracuse coaching staff, including the reassignment of coaches in various positions, aimed at revitalizing the team”s performance. “I think moving coach Gattis to the receiver room is helping out,” Brown stated, expressing optimism about the recent adjustments.
As the teams prepare for this crucial matchup, Notre Dame will look to capitalize on Syracuse”s struggles while aiming to enhance their standing in the playoff race.
