Notre Dame was attempting to mount an epic comeback against Ohio State in the national championship when things fell apart fast.
After trailing 31–7 in the third quarter, the Irish had found the seeds of a comeback, putting up a touchdown and two-point conversion, and nabbing a fumble to steal a possession from the Buckeyes.
Marching down the field down 31–15, it looked like the Irish might have something cooking, but once they reached the red zone, things got wonky. After a run for a loss and two incomplete passes, Notre Dame faced fourth-and-goal from the 9-yard line with nine minutes left to play.
Trailing by 16, and thus needing two touchdowns and both two-point conversions to go along with them to tie, many assumed that the Irish would go for it on fourth down. Instead, head coach Marcus Freeman sent out the field goal unit.
The decision left fans confused, and adding insult to injury, Notre Dame missed the kick with a loud doink.
DOINK 🔊
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 21, 2025
Notre Dame went for the field goal down 16 points and missed the kick 😳 pic.twitter.com/JU06kNSd8b
Fans immediately roasted Notre Dame’s decision, and chalked the miss up to a “ball don’t lie” moment.
Why are you kicking there in the first place?
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) January 21, 2025
DID MARCUS FREEMAN JUST TRY A FIELD GOAL DOWN BY 16 WITH 9:24 LEFT IN THE NATIONAL TITLE GAME?!?
— Jordan Strack (@JordanStrack) January 21, 2025
YOU GET WHAT YOU DESERVE THERE. OH MY GOD THATS ABSURD.
marcus freeman: pic.twitter.com/ScmaiYXp6b
— Robby Kalland (@RKalland) January 21, 2025
When you choose to “take the points” you don’t always get the points
— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) January 21, 2025
Can one of you analytical dorks explain why Notre Dame kicked a FG down 16?
— Master (@MasterTes) January 21, 2025
That’s what you get for settling for a FG there.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) January 21, 2025
After leaving the drive without any points, the Notre Dame defense came up with a big stop to force Ohio State’s first punt of the game, giving their offense back possession with six minutes to play still trailing 31-15. Riley Leonard found Jaden Greathouse for a touchdown, and a two-point conversion cut the lead to eight.
One decision does not make or break a football game, but it sure felt like an odd move in the moment.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Notre Dame’s Questionable FG Decision Left Fans Confused and Immediately Backfired.
