Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman knows Penn State is loaded: 'They've got guys'
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman is gearing up for one of the biggest challenges of the season as his team prepares to face Penn State in the Orange Bowl. This highly anticipated clash marks the first meeting between these storied programs in 17 years and promises to be a battle of powerhouse teams loaded with talent on both sides of the ball.
Penn State, entering the game with a 13-2 record, has been a force to be reckoned with throughout the season. Freeman didn't hold back in praising their roster, describing the sixth-seeded Nittany Lions as a team brimming with "star power." Among their standout players is tight end Tyler Warren, who recently claimed the prestigious Mackey Award, given to the nation’s top tight end. Adding to their defensive dominance is Abdul Carter, a junior edge rusher who was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
“They’ve got some guys,” Freeman said Saturday, acknowledging the challenge ahead. “I think they’re fourth in the FBS in terms of interceptions. I mean, they’ve got guys.”
While Notre Dame also boasts 18 interceptions this season, tying them with Penn State, the Fighting Irish have the edge in total takeaways, leading the nation with 31. Their turnover margin of plus-18 is tied for second in the FBS, while Penn State ranks 13th with a still-impressive plus-10 margin.
Defensive Dominance
Freeman highlighted the havoc Penn State’s defense creates, led by their front four. “They do a good job stopping the run and getting after the quarterback in the pass game,” Freeman said. At the center of their disruptive defense is Abdul Carter, a 6-foot-3, 252-pound edge rusher from Philadelphia.
Carter has been a nightmare for opposing offenses, racking up 21.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, eight quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles this season. His ability to wreak havoc without relying heavily on blitzes has been a hallmark of Penn State’s defense, which has amassed 39 sacks from 16 different players, ranking 14th in the FBS.
Offensive Firepower
On the offensive side, Penn State’s versatility and creativity make them a difficult opponent. Tyler Warren, the 6-foot-6, 261-pound tight end, has emerged as one of the most dynamic players in college football. With 98 receptions for 1,158 yards, 12 total touchdowns (eight receiving, four rushing), and an average of 8.2 yards per carry, Warren is a constant threat. Freeman labeled him “one of the best players in college football, period, regardless of position.”
Leading Penn State’s offense is junior quarterback Drew Allar, who has flourished under first-year offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 235 pounds, Allar has thrown for nearly 3,200 yards and rushed for 421, accounting for 30 total touchdowns (24 passing, six rushing) while completing 67.4% of his passes. Freeman praised Allar for his confidence and decision-making, noting his ability to stay in the pocket and deliver precise throws.
Penn State’s offense, which ranks 24th in the FBS with an average of 33.7 points per game, thrives on its ability to utilize diverse personnel and formations. “Very creative offense that utilizes a bunch of different personnels, a bunch of different formations,” Freeman said. “It’s going to force you to be extremely disciplined in terms of your eyes and your adjustments.”
Notre Dame’s Edge
Notre Dame (13-1) enters the game with its own set of strengths. The Irish defense has been a turnover machine this season, leading the nation in takeaways. Their ability to force turnovers and capitalize on mistakes has been a cornerstone of their success, and Freeman will be looking to leverage this advantage against Penn State’s offense.
The Irish also feature a familiar face to Penn State fans in running back Devyn Ford, a former Nittany Lion who has contributed primarily on special teams during his second year at Notre Dame.
A Game to Watch
With both teams showcasing elite talent and balanced strengths, the Orange Bowl is shaping up to be a thrilling contest. For Freeman and the Irish, the challenge will be finding ways to neutralize Penn State’s star players while capitalizing on their own strengths. As the game approaches, one thing is certain: neither team will hold anything back in this high-stakes showdown.
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