AP Top 25 Takeaways: 3 years in at Notre Dame, Marcus Freeman is again explaining a stunning loss

Marcus Freeman is in his third year as head coach of Notre Dame, and the team faced a disappointing loss despite entering the game ranked fifth. They had recently secured a strong road victory against Texas A&M, which raised expectations for their performance against a Mid-American Conference opponent at home. However, the offense, led by new transfer quarterback Riley Leonard, struggled to capitalize on opportunities and failed to build on their initial momentum. Freeman acknowledged the need for improvement, emphasizing accountability for the team's performance. The loss highlights a recurring issue for Freeman, as he has yet to consistently win games that are deemed winnable, a crucial aspect of coaching at a prestigious program. This situation mirrors the challenges faced by other ranked teams, as several experienced unexpected defeats against unranked opponents, underscoring the unpredictability of college football. The implications of these losses could affect Notre Dame's aspirations for the College Football Playoff, as maintaining a strong record is essential for postseason consideration. Freeman's ability to navigate these challenges will be critical as the season progresses, and he must find ways to ensure his team performs at a high level against all opponents, regardless of their ranking.