Shan

SUNDAY COFFEE REFLECTIONS Good morning Irish fans! Last night was Notre Dame Football’s 10th time knocking off No. 1. I’ve got 10 thoughts. • As time expired and the crowd rushed out, this felt different. The field was stormed for ‘22 Clemson and ‘23 USC; both upsets over top 10 teams. Last night, the Irish knocked off No. 1. But it didn’t feel like an upset. • I heard a surprising number of takes this week that Marcus Freeman needed his signature win. In the context of the CFP race, I get it. Last night, Coach Freeman didn’t prove he can win a big game. He confirmed it. • If you want to call this CJ Carr’s signature win, go for it. Carr peaked in his biggest game, spreading the ball between 10 different receivers. I don’t know if voters will consider this a Heisman moment. But last night, Carr proved he is one of the best players in the sport. • Each week Luke Talich finds a way to further impress me; the X-factor on a loaded defense. After working his way up the depth chart, his motor and physicality do not surprise me. I am a little amazed at his penchant for big plays. • All eyes were on Jaiden Ausberry as he recovered the fumble to seal the victory. He impressed as much as anyone on the defense last night wearing the green dot in place of Drayk Bowen. Ausberry finished with nine tackles, none bigger than stopping Darian Mensah on 3rd and goal in the second. • As Miami tightened the score to 24-17, Christian Gray helped stop the bleeding with two critical pass breakups. Gray has always had a knack for big plays. He provided them exactly when the defense needed him. • Malachi Toney is an excellent receiver, the best player on a loaded Miami offense. Calling his absence the deciding factor feels disrespectful to the rest of their playmakers. This win was earned…and I believe the Irish will have to do it again in January. • That environment in Notre Dame Stadium was something else. Credit to the stadium staff for maximizing home-field advantage. Credit to our fans for a loud environment start to finish. In a world where TV networks control the sport, do I need to state the obvious? Please get this rivalry on the schedule every year. • I can’t comprehend how anyone could watch last night’s game and not believe they saw two of the nation’s best teams. I also can’t comprehend how the playoff committee thinks. So we’ll see how it looks Tuesday. • Historically, Marcus Freeman’s Irish teams have been at their best in November and beyond. This team’s story is still being written. But after last night - I’ll take Notre Dame’s best over anyone in the country. Have a wonderful Sunday. Get some rest. Let your voice recover. And enjoy the moment. Love Thee ☘️🚇