SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Nine final thoughts on Notre Dame going out (almost) on top after its 34-23 loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman on Wednesday was named college football's 2024 recipient of the Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award.

Trailing 31-15, Notre Dame stalled on that same drive after reaching the plus-8. On fourth-and-goal from the 9, Irish coach Marcus Freeman opted for a 27-yard field goal with Mitch Jeter, who hit the left upright on a miss.