The Rise of Notre Dame: A Remarkable Turnaround and the Challenges for Penn State
In a thrilling season of college football, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have remarkably turned the tide from doubted contenders to a national championship contender. After a dramatic comeback victory against Penn State, they find themselves in the spotlight, garnering admiration from fans and analysts alike. This transformation is especially notable given the historical animosity some fans have felt towards the institution.
Paul Finebaum, a well-known sports commentator, expressed his surprise at finding himself cheering for Notre Dame, a program often viewed with disdain by many football enthusiasts. The ascension of head coach Marcus Freeman has infused a sense of optimism into the team, contrasting sharply with the frustrations surrounding Penn State and their coach, James Franklin.
Finebaum illustrates the contrasting narratives between Notre Dame's success and the struggles of Franklin’s Penn State. Despite some vocal supporters praising Franklin's aggressive strategies, the tangible results have left much to be desired. Critics argue that the team's disappointing performance, particularly their failure to capitalize on promising game moments, ultimately lies at Franklin's feet.
A significant point of contention has been the performance of Penn State's quarterback, Drew Aller. Finebaum has consistently raised questions about whether Aller is the driver of success for the team or a barrier to achieving greatness. After the game, he pointed to Aller’s struggles, including a turnover that shifted momentum entirely, suggesting that it was his inefficiency that led to Notre Dame's opportunity.
Although some fans have pointed fingers at Franklin for the result, Finebaum asserts that Franklin must be accountable for entrusting Aller with critical game responsibilities. The quarterback’s inability to lead effectively in crucial moments reflects poorly on both him and the coaching staff.
Penn State’s trajectory is a familiar one: perennial performers achieving records like 10-2 yet failing to meet the expectations set against top-tier opponents. Finebaum argues that the playoff format seems tailored for teams like Penn State, who repeatedly fall short in pivotal games. The current season, including an encounter against ranked teams, only emphasized their ongoing challenges.
Despite gaining entry into the playoffs, critics deem their achievements as a result of a 'luckier' schedule featuring teams like SMU and Boise State, lacking convincing wins. A recurring theme emerges: James Franklin's inability to secure significant victories against high-ranking opponents. Some believe his coaching style needs re-evaluation if he wishes to lead the team to true greatness.
On the other hand, the narrative of Notre Dame's success is compelling. Once viewed as a team that would continually disappoint, they have surged ahead, marking an impressive winning streak that defies earlier expectations. Finebaum acknowledges that under Freeman's guidance, Notre Dame has rediscovered its identity as a formidable contender, culminating in securing a spot in the national championship.
The resurgence has sparked a rekindled admiration that extends even beyond Notre Dame's traditional fan base, transforming them into a compelling underdog story. Freeman's leadership has resonated with fans who have longed for a return to the program’s storied past.
Addressing the coaching landscape, Finebaum compares Freeman favorably to former Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly. The latter's move to LSU, in search of a path to a championship, has not yielded the success he envisioned. In fact, as Finebaum notes, many fans now find joy not only in Notre Dame's successes but also in the irony of Kelly’s unfulfilled ambitions.
It seems that the contrast between Freeman’s warm embrace by the Notre Dame community and Kelly’s mixed legacy as a coach highlights a broader change in college football dynamics. While Kelly had his victories, his tenure at Notre Dame was marred by the inability to deliver a national title.
Amid the unfolding college football saga, the narratives of Notre Dame and Penn State serve as poignant reminders of the fickle nature of sports. Notre Dame stands as a beacon of hope for those who may have doubted them, while Penn State grapples with ongoing challenges. The differences in leadership and team identity between them highlight a fascinating dichotomy that will continue to evolve as the season progresses.
As the Irish gear up for the national championship, they are no longer seen as the team to hate; instead, they have become a resilient symbol of possibility and transformation in college football.
Part 1/7:
The Rise of Notre Dame: A Remarkable Turnaround and the Challenges for Penn State
In a thrilling season of college football, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have remarkably turned the tide from doubted contenders to a national championship contender. After a dramatic comeback victory against Penn State, they find themselves in the spotlight, garnering admiration from fans and analysts alike. This transformation is especially notable given the historical animosity some fans have felt towards the institution.
Cheering for Notre Dame
Part 2/7:
Paul Finebaum, a well-known sports commentator, expressed his surprise at finding himself cheering for Notre Dame, a program often viewed with disdain by many football enthusiasts. The ascension of head coach Marcus Freeman has infused a sense of optimism into the team, contrasting sharply with the frustrations surrounding Penn State and their coach, James Franklin.
Finebaum illustrates the contrasting narratives between Notre Dame's success and the struggles of Franklin’s Penn State. Despite some vocal supporters praising Franklin's aggressive strategies, the tangible results have left much to be desired. Critics argue that the team's disappointing performance, particularly their failure to capitalize on promising game moments, ultimately lies at Franklin's feet.
The Drew Aller Debate
Part 3/7:
A significant point of contention has been the performance of Penn State's quarterback, Drew Aller. Finebaum has consistently raised questions about whether Aller is the driver of success for the team or a barrier to achieving greatness. After the game, he pointed to Aller’s struggles, including a turnover that shifted momentum entirely, suggesting that it was his inefficiency that led to Notre Dame's opportunity.
Although some fans have pointed fingers at Franklin for the result, Finebaum asserts that Franklin must be accountable for entrusting Aller with critical game responsibilities. The quarterback’s inability to lead effectively in crucial moments reflects poorly on both him and the coaching staff.
Penn State's Playoff Path
Part 4/7:
Penn State’s trajectory is a familiar one: perennial performers achieving records like 10-2 yet failing to meet the expectations set against top-tier opponents. Finebaum argues that the playoff format seems tailored for teams like Penn State, who repeatedly fall short in pivotal games. The current season, including an encounter against ranked teams, only emphasized their ongoing challenges.
Despite gaining entry into the playoffs, critics deem their achievements as a result of a 'luckier' schedule featuring teams like SMU and Boise State, lacking convincing wins. A recurring theme emerges: James Franklin's inability to secure significant victories against high-ranking opponents. Some believe his coaching style needs re-evaluation if he wishes to lead the team to true greatness.
Part 5/7:
The Notre Dame Renaissance
On the other hand, the narrative of Notre Dame's success is compelling. Once viewed as a team that would continually disappoint, they have surged ahead, marking an impressive winning streak that defies earlier expectations. Finebaum acknowledges that under Freeman's guidance, Notre Dame has rediscovered its identity as a formidable contender, culminating in securing a spot in the national championship.
The resurgence has sparked a rekindled admiration that extends even beyond Notre Dame's traditional fan base, transforming them into a compelling underdog story. Freeman's leadership has resonated with fans who have longed for a return to the program’s storied past.
A Shift in Perception
Part 6/7:
Addressing the coaching landscape, Finebaum compares Freeman favorably to former Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly. The latter's move to LSU, in search of a path to a championship, has not yielded the success he envisioned. In fact, as Finebaum notes, many fans now find joy not only in Notre Dame's successes but also in the irony of Kelly’s unfulfilled ambitions.
It seems that the contrast between Freeman’s warm embrace by the Notre Dame community and Kelly’s mixed legacy as a coach highlights a broader change in college football dynamics. While Kelly had his victories, his tenure at Notre Dame was marred by the inability to deliver a national title.
Conclusion
Part 7/7:
Amid the unfolding college football saga, the narratives of Notre Dame and Penn State serve as poignant reminders of the fickle nature of sports. Notre Dame stands as a beacon of hope for those who may have doubted them, while Penn State grapples with ongoing challenges. The differences in leadership and team identity between them highlight a fascinating dichotomy that will continue to evolve as the season progresses.
As the Irish gear up for the national championship, they are no longer seen as the team to hate; instead, they have become a resilient symbol of possibility and transformation in college football.