Notre Dame Cruises Past Syracuse, Eyes Finish Against Stanford

The No. 9 Fighting Irish delivered a dominant performance against Syracuse, highlighted by running back Jeremiyah Love, who rushed for 171 yards and three touchdowns on just eight carries.

His performance tied him with Jerome Bettis for one of the top single-game rushing marks in Notre Dame history, marking a memorable milestone for the senior.

Despite the lopsided score, head coach Marcus Freeman downplayed the magnitude of the victory. “I don’t care what the score is. We gotta celebrate the win, but we’ll get to work the next day,” Freeman said, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement over scoreboard attention. His focus remains on developing the team and preparing for challenges ahead rather than basking in blowout wins.

Notre Dame improved to 9-2 on the season and will close out the regular season on the road against Stanford. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT, an unusual late start for the Irish, but Freeman said the timing will not affect the team’s preparation or focus. “It’s Notre Dame time,” Freeman added, underscoring his belief that the team can adjust regardless of scheduling quirks.

1. Love Leads the Offense

Jeremiyah Love continues to cement his place among Notre Dame’s all-time greats with another exceptional performance. His 171 rushing yards against Syracuse pushed him over the 1,100-yard mark for the season, marking the second consecutive 1,000-yard campaign for the senior. Love’s efficiency stood out, with three touchdowns on just eight carries, demonstrating both explosive ability and precise execution. His consistent production has been a key driver of Notre Dame’s success this season and keeps him in the national Heisman conversation. Beyond the numbers, Love’s leadership on and off the field has helped elevate the Fighting Irish. His work ethic, attitude, and ability to perform under pressure serve as a model for teammates, reinforcing the culture Marcus Freeman is cultivating. With the final game against Stanford looming, Love’s role will be critical for maintaining momentum and securing a College Football Playoff berth. How he performs against a disciplined Stanford defense could have lasting implications for postseason positioning.

2. Freeman’s Focus on Preparation

Despite the historic win, Freeman remains committed to steady, disciplined preparation rather than celebrating blowouts. His comments after the game stressed reviewing film, finding areas for improvement, and keeping the team mentally sharp. “We’ll dissect it. We’re going to find ways to improve,” he said, reinforcing a culture of continuous growth. The unusual 10:30 p.m. ET kickoff against Stanford presents potential physical and mental challenges for the Irish. However, Freeman dismissed any concern, emphasizing adaptability and focus. “The way the Fighting Irish are approaching it? Locking in mentally no matter how late that is,” he explained. Freeman’s coaching philosophy prioritizes consistency and preparation, traits that have helped Notre Dame remain in the College Football Playoff conversation despite a challenging schedule. His approach ensures the team remains resilient and ready for high-stakes games. Ultimately, Freeman’s leadership style emphasizes both accountability and trust, ensuring that players are confident and prepared for whatever challenges arise, from odd start times to tough opponents.

3. Playoff Implications

Notre Dame sits at 9-2, and a win over Stanford would strengthen its case for inclusion in the College Football Playoff. Conversely, a loss could jeopardize its position in the 12-team field, making Saturday’s game a critical test for the team. The Fighting Irish have demonstrated both offensive firepower and defensive stability throughout the season, and how they execute in the final regular-season matchup will influence national perception. The game represents a last chance to impress the selection committee before the postseason begins. With momentum, leadership, and a clear game plan, Notre Dame enters the contest confident, despite the late kickoff and other logistical hurdles. The team’s ability to stay focused and disciplined could define its postseason trajectory. *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir=“auto” tabindex="-1" data-turn-id=“request-691f9006-9448-8322-bd17-bbad8fe7d25c-9” data-testid=“conversation-turn-40” data-scroll-anchor=“true” data-turn=“assistant”>

Dame’s dominant win over Syracuse showcased Jeremiyah Love’s talent and the team’s resilience as the Fighting Irish prepare for a pivotal showdown against Stanford with College Football Playoff stakes on the line.