Part 3/7:

The trophy was ceremoniously presented by Brad Hower, the President of the Orange Bowl Committee. In an emotional moment, he handed the Capital One Orange Bowl championship trophy to Marcus Freeman, the head coach of Notre Dame. Down seven points at halftime, Freeman had urged his team to remain calm and focused—a testament to his leadership.

In response to a question about his team’s resilience, Freeman praised his players, calling them “savages” who were “built different.” He expressed pride in their ability to unite and improve, emphasizing the strong bond they've formed throughout the season. His words reflected deep appreciation for every person associated with Notre Dame, including the band, cheer squad, and loyal fans, asserting that this achievement was a collective effort.