Good News: Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame ‘Find a Way’ to Get Past Penn State in Thrilling Victory
In a heart-pounding and dramatic showdown, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish overcame a resilient Penn State team in a thrilling 2025 season matchup. Head coach Marcus Freeman and his squad “found a way” to pull off a gritty 31-28 victory, showcasing their determination and mental toughness in what is shaping up to be one of the most exciting seasons for Notre Dame in recent memory.
The game, which was played in front of a packed house at Notre Dame Stadium, saw both teams battling back and forth in an intense contest. With the score tied at 28 late in the fourth quarter, it was Notre Dame’s defense that stepped up when it mattered most, forcing a crucial turnover on downs. The Fighting Irish offense, led by quarterback Sam Hartman, capitalized on the momentum and orchestrated a decisive 75-yard drive, capped off by a game-winning 42-yard field goal with just 4 seconds left on the clock.
“We always talk about finding a way, and today, the team did just that,” Freeman said in his post-game comments. “We stayed resilient, didn’t panic when things got tough, and trusted each other. This is a huge win for us, and it’s a testament to the hard work our players and coaching staff put in all week.”
Hartman, who has been playing at a high level all season, threw for 275 yards and two touchdowns, while also running for another score. His leadership was crucial in rallying the team when the game seemed to be slipping away in the second half. “We knew Penn State was going to be tough,” Hartman said. “But we believed in each other, and we never lost faith. We knew we could do it, and I’m proud of how everyone responded.”
Defensively, Notre Dame’s front seven were relentless, keeping Penn State’s powerful running game in check and sacking their quarterback three times. Despite a strong effort from Penn State’s offense, which was led by star quarterback Drew Allar, the Irish defense made key stops at critical moments.
Freeman credited his players for executing the game plan under immense pressure. “Our defense stepped up when they needed to, and Sam (Hartman) led the offense with poise,” Freeman said. “This is the type of win that builds confidence and shows what this team is made of.”
The victory over Penn State solidifies Notre Dame’s standing as one of the top teams in the nation, and this win will likely have significant implications for their playoff hopes. With a tough schedule still ahead, Freeman and the Fighting Irish are focused on maintaining their momentum and preparing for the challenges to come.
As the season progresses, Notre Dame fans can look forward to more thrilling games, but Saturday’s victory over Penn State will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment in their 2025 campaign.
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