Mon Dec 02 02:10:00 UTC 2024: ## Notre Dame’s Upset Loss Fuels Unbeaten Run to College Football Playoff Contention

**Los Angeles, CA** – Notre Dame’s stunning early-season loss to Northern Illinois proved to be a pivotal moment, ultimately fueling a remarkable turnaround that has propelled the Irish to the brink of the College Football Playoff. After a 49-35 victory over USC Saturday, securing a 10-game winning streak, Coach Marcus Freeman reflected on the team’s journey.

“The greatest thing that happened to this program was a loss,” Freeman stated, emphasizing the lessons learned from the defeat. The setback, he explained, taught the team “what it takes to handle success and what it takes to have success.”

The victory over USC wasn’t easy. A tight first half ended in a 14-14 tie, but Notre Dame dominated the second, scoring 35 points thanks to two interception returns for touchdowns and a powerful running game that amassed 258 yards, despite an injury to starting running back Jeremiyah Love.

This resilience is a hallmark of Notre Dame’s recent performance. Over the past ten games, they’ve outscored opponents 441-134, winning the turnover battle in every contest. Their defense ranks among the nation’s best, and they’ve surpassed 200 rushing yards in five consecutive games – their longest such streak in 20 years.

Quarterback Riley Leonard, who contributed two passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown against USC, echoed Freeman’s sentiments. “I kind of told myself, we can win, we can lose, but I’ll never walk off the field with any regret anymore,” Leonard said.

While Freeman acknowledged the team’s playoff aspirations, he insisted the focus remains on celebrating this hard-earned victory before shifting attention to the future. “These guys are working way too hard not to take a moment and enjoy this victory,” he said. The team plans to savor the win for a couple of days before resuming preparations for the next chapter. The improbable journey from a shocking loss to potential playoff berth has solidified Notre Dame’s status as a team to watch.

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