US EditionNotre Dame defense in crisis? Marcus Freeman's stunning message on leaky defense before Arkansas showdown
Notre Dame has allowed 98 points in three games this season, but Freeman backs coordinator Chris Ash and blames execution, not scheme, ahead of a tough Arkansas test.
- On Saturday in Fayetteville, Ark., the Notre Dame Fighting Irish meet the Arkansas Razorbacks in their first-ever game at Arkansas.
- Notre Dame's early defensive numbers show 98 points allowed and repeated 27-point games, a level of breakdown not seen since the 2007 season under Charlie Weis.
- Rejecting calls to change play-calling, Marcus Freeman backed Chris Ash and demanded Notre Dame players improve execution, citing poor man coverage, slow zone recognition and inconsistent pass-rush discipline.
- Arkansas brings a top-five yards-per-play offense that will challenge Notre Dame's coverage and tackling, forcing the Irish defense to contain a dynamic 1-2 punch in the backfield.
- After consecutive strong games, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, with 284 rushing yards, drew praise from Sam Pittman, who said `I mean, God, as I'm looking at tape I'm going, 'This guy is sensational.
12 Articles
12 Articles
HogTown to return Saturday ahead of Arkansas-Notre Dame game
HogTown, the free pregame street party for Razorback fans, returns to Maple Street on Saturday ahead of Arkansas’ matchup with Notre Dame. The fan fest opens at 7 and will feature food trucks, a beer garden, giveaways and family-friendly activities. Country cover band Gone Country is scheduled to perform at 7:30 on the main stage. Highlights include a pep rally with the Razorback Spirit Squads and Marching Band at 8:35, followed by the Hog Walk …
Rockdale Citizen & Newton Citizen
No. 22 Notre Dame prefers fight over flight vs. flawed Arkansas
Marcus Freeman is tired of hearing questions about his team's defense.
Analysts Agree On Huge Notre Dame-Arkansas Predictions
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have another opportunity to continue righting the ship this week against Arkansas. It’s not a bad team that they’re up against, but they’re not ranked, so the Fighting Irish should be able to continue stacking wins to get past their ugly 0-2 start. At least, that’s what two insiders believe is going to happen. CBS analysts unanimously pick Notre Dame to beat Arkansas Notre Dame offensive lineman Aamil Wagner (59) li…
ESPN's SP+ projects the final score between Arkansas and Notre Dame
One of the most interesting matchups for Week 5 of the 2025 college football season is the long-awaited meeting between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the No. 22 Notre Dame Fighting Irish. These 2 iconic brands in the sport are set to meet for the first time ever on the gridiron this Saturday at Razorback Stadium in what’s sure to be a very entertaining clash of styles. ESPN analyst Bill Connelly’s SP+ also thinks that this game will end in very sh…
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