Marcus Freeman praises progress prepares for challenge against Pitt

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman says his team is building momentum after a strong win over Navy — but the focus now shifts to Saturday’s matchup with No. 23 Pitt.

Freeman admitted the Irish didn’t have enough “good followed by good” against Boston College but said he’s happy with the progress he saw in all phases against Navy. He wants his team to keep that same energy rolling into the weekend.

Freeman said the feedback from recruits after Saturday night’s win was overwhelmingly positive. One recruit and his family even called the atmosphere at Notre Dame Stadium “extraordinary.”

He also backed star running back Jeremiyah Love for Heisman consideration, but said Love really only cares about wins, not personal awards.

Injuries continue to play a role — left guard Billy Schrauth remains week-to-week with a knee injury, and wide receiver Jaden Greathouse recently had fluid drained from his hamstring and is still working back.

When asked about his focus this week, Freeman said there isn’t just one area of concern — “every part of the preparation matters.”

Freeman also dismissed the idea of this being a trap game, saying,

“Yesterday somebody texted me — it’s a trap game. I said this is not a trap game. This is a challenge. This is a real challenge, a great challenge. They’re on a five-game win streak, playing with confidence and momentum — and they’ve earned it.”

Notre Dame could move up when the new College Football Playoff rankings are released Tuesday night. But when asked about his thoughts on being an independent team, Freeman kept it short — his only focus is Pittsburgh.