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.

Despite the loss to Ohio State, Marcus Freeman isn't losing sight of how successful this season was for Notre Dame.

After as tough as an offensive drive as you’ll see to start the national championship, Notre Dame went to a halt for much of the rest of the game, especially to end the first half. Marcus Freeman addressed the offense’s outing after that first possession to start his postgame press conference after the 34-23 title loss to Ohio State.

Jack Kiser walked up the tunnel toward Notre Dame ’s locker room beneath Mercedes-Benz Stadium, tears welling in his bloodshot eyes, as if the linebacker had anything else to pour out. Behind him, all the scarlet and white confetti had fallen as Ohio State ’s national championship party swayed,

In 1981, Clemson head coach Danny Ford became the youngest head coach to ever win a national championship at the age of 33. Ford led Clemson to a 12-0 season with multiple top-10 wins. The Tigers were crowned national champions after defeating Nebraska in the Orange Bowl.

Notre Dame General Manager Chad Bowden has left the program for USC with a reported $1M salary following key program departures