Few programs in CFB carry the mystique and independence of Notre Dame. The post Notre Dame’s $20M Payout Draws Power Conference’s Attention as Marcus Freeman Faces Harsh Reality Check appeared first on EssentiallySports.

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Nine final thoughts on Notre Dame going out (almost) on top after its 34-23 loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

Following Notre Dame’s CFP title game loss, fans express their frustrations over missed opportunities, coaching decisions, and what could have been.

Notre Dame football head coach Marcus Freeman won a major award after leading the Fighting Irish to the National Championship game

Jack Kiser walked up the tunnel toward Notre Dame ’s locker room beneath Mercedes-Benz Stadium, tears welling in his bloodshot eyes, as if the linebacker had anything else to pour out. Behind him, all the scarlet and white confetti had fallen as Ohio State ’s national championship party swayed,

The winner claims the national championship in the first year of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff and longest college football season ever. Ohio State is trying for its sixth title, and first since its 2014 team won the inaugural CFP. Notre Dame is going for its 12th title, and first since 1988.

Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman is shouldering the blame for the Irish 34-23 loss to Ohio State in Monday night's College Football Playoff National Championship. Notre Dame fell into a 24-point hole against the Buckeyes midway through the third quarter that Freeman said was the result of uncharacteristic mistakes in communication for which he takes all the blame.

Marcus Freeman was being trolled on social media following some of his decisions. Former Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis decided to praise Freeman when he was being brought down.

In a game that seemed out of reach for most of the second half, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish managed to claw their way back against the Ohio State Buckeyes, only to fall short in the final moments. Trailing 28-7 early in the third quarter,

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman shared the logic behind one of his more polarizing decisions in Monday’s national championship game loss to Ohio State.