Marcus Freeman 2-0 and preparing for a trip to NC State in week three

 

SOUTH BEND, Ind -- Fighting Irish get an unsurprising win over TSU but now the real journey begins.

A 56-3 win afforded Notre Dame an opportunity to enter second and third string players early in the season. Head Coach of the Irish, Marcus couldn't have asked for timing as they face minor injuries (see injury report below) on both sides of the ball.

"This will be our first true road test. We know as we get ready to go down to Raleigh, North Carolina and play NC State and we expect to be a very hostile environment," Freeman said in today's press conference.

Both programs fighting for the respective winning streaks.

Notre dame riding 28 consecutive wins against ACC opponents and NC State reaching for a program record 17 straight wins at Carter-Finley Stadium.

"I didn't know that number. But that's a lot. You know, and that spans over many years and credit to the coaches, Coach Kelly that had the majority of those ones," Freeman added.

As for reaching 29 straight wins and doing on the road, quarterback Sam Hartman is the only player on Notre Dame's roster that share that experience.

"He can talk to the entire team about the experience of playing at NC State, and obviously to the offense about, you know what the real game will be like," Freeman said.

During his time at Wake Forest, in three starts against NC State, Hartman threw six touchdowns and six interceptions, while only defeating the Wolfpack Once. Those stats not nearly as impressive as Hartman’s 6 touchdowns, no interceptions and 33-40 passing in his first two games With the Irish.

So, they're there I've always said there's no substitution for experience and his experience no matter good or bad. Playing at NC State or playing against this defense will be valuable this week," Freeman mentioned.

Injury Update:

DL Gabe Rubio: Had arthroscopic surgery. No timetable for return

RB Devyn Ford: Concussion protocol: No timetable for return

WR Matt Salerno: Leg injury: No timetable for return

LB Drayk Bowen: Will return this week