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.

After the Notre Dame football team lost to Ohio State in the national title game, Marcus Freeman spoke on the future of the program.

How did Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman size up the other teams in the country in his final US LBM Coaches Poll?

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

Against Ohio State, Marcus Freeman can become the fifth Notre Dame coach to win a national championship in his third season at the helm

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish had an incredible season, going 11-1 to earn a spot in the College Football Playoff as the No. 7 seed. They went on an impressive

Notre Dame football coach Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman talks pro wrestling ahead of rematch with former Ohio State teammate James Laurinaitis

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,

With 14 minutes, 46 seconds left in the fourth quarter, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish recovered a fumble from Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, which placed them at their own 21-yard line.