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Marcus Freeman Announces Notre Dame Illness Update Before National Title

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Jan 12, 2025 11:23 AM ET

Notre Dame is back in the national championship game for the first time in 12 years and first time ever in the College Football Playoff era.

The Fighting Irish outlasted Penn State 27-24 in the Orange Bowl on Thursday to advance to the title game, where they will face Ohio State, a 28-14 winner over Texas in the Cotton Bowl. It's been a dream season thus far for Marcus Freeman, who is now aiming to join the fraternity of Notre Dame coaches who led the program to a national championship in their third season.

Freeman's team has had to overcome plenty of adversity ever since a shocking loss to Northern Illinois in Week 2 left the Irish season hanging in the balance. Last week, a flu outbreak disrupted the roster as it prepared to face Penn State, but Notre Dame pushed through to earn the win.

On Sunday, Freeman revealed to reporters how sick is players were (and still are), saying that "over half of Notre Dame's roster" has been dealing with the flu.

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 09: Head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions greets head coach Marcus Freeman of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish following the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on January 09, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

The Irish also had to push through attrition along the offensive line during the Orange Bowl, with starters Anthonie Knapp and Rocco Spindler both exiting with injuries.

Knapp, who was replaced by veteran Tosh Baker at left tackle, has already been declared out for the national championship, while Spindler is working his way back to be available.

"Anthonie Knapp OUT for the national championship game with a high ankle sprain, per Marcus Freeman," said Pete Sampson of The Athletic. "Notre Dame will be down its starting left tackle against Ohio State. Asked if Charles Jagusah could be an option at LT, Freeman didn't rule it out."

Notre Dame does have some time to rest up. The championship game won't be played until Jan. 20 in Atlanta, which means there's more than a week ahead for players to get healthy.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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