Marcus Freeman Recaps Notre Dame Victory Moment with Pat Narduzzi
After a strong performance, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish secured a decisive 37-15 victory over the Pittsburgh Panthers at Acrisure Stadium. This matchup saw Notre Dame’s coach, Marcus Freeman, and Pittsburgh’s coach, Pat Narduzzi, engage in a notably brief postgame handshake. Observers noted that Freeman quickly disengaged from the exchange, raising questions about their interaction.
Marcus Freeman Discusses Interaction with Pat Narduzzi
During the postgame press conference, Freeman addressed the handshake, stating, “I wanted to go celebrate,” emphasizing his focus on the victory rather than the brief exchange. Reporters pressed for clarity, but Freeman maintained a lighthearted tone.
Pre-Game Context
Leading up to the game, Narduzzi had made headlines with his remarks regarding the importance of the match. The Pittsburgh coach, acknowledging the pressures of the season, had previously touched on the significance of winning games, but was dismissive when asked if facing Notre Dame was a must-win scenario. He stated, “Absolutely not. It is not an ACC game. I would gladly get beat 103 or 110-10 in that game,” shifting the focus to winning subsequent games instead.
Pittsburgh’s Game Strategy
Narduzzi’s comments hinted at a potential lack of urgency regarding the game against the independent Fighting Irish. His Friday appearance on The Pat McAfee Show further clarified his priorities. “It’s about executing one play at a time,” he urged, suggesting his focus remained on his team’s performance.
Game Highlights and Aftermath
The match saw the Panthers trailing 37-9 with mere seconds left. An unexpected strategy by Narduzzi unfolded when he called a timeout after a four-yard gain by running back Ja’Kyrian Turner. This decision allowed Pittsburgh to ultimately score a late, inconsequential touchdown, with quarterback Eli Holstein connecting on a 21-yard pass to tight end Malachi Thomas.
Despite the late touchdown, Freeman expressed no discontent regarding the timeout call, reminding that the defensive unit must prevent late scores, even with backups on the field. Following an 0-2 start, Notre Dame has now claimed eight consecutive victories, while the loss marked Pittsburgh’s first setback since September.
- Match: Notre Dame vs. Pittsburgh
- Score: 37-15
- Date: November 15, 2025
- Location: Acrisure Stadium
- Freeman’s Statement: “I wanted to go celebrate.”
- Narduzzi on the game’s significance: “It is not an ACC game.”
- Pittsburgh’s first loss since September.
- Notre Dame’s eighth straight win.
The outcome not only improves Notre Dame’s standing but adds another chapter to the evolving dynamics between Freeman and Narduzzi in the competitive landscape of college football.
