The contest between No. 21 Notre Dame and Boise State was a penalty-fueled affair. At the end of the game, both teams had a combined for 24 penalties for 124 yards. The Irish were penalized 11 times for 112 yards, and head coach Marcus Freeman started to show serious frustrations with officials in the fourth quarter.
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During their first offensive drive of the final quarter, Notre Dame was called for a holding, setting up a 2nd-and-20 from the Irish 42-yard line. On the next play, a 21-yard reception by tight end Eli Raridon was wiped out by an offensive pass interference penalty, causing the Irish to punt two plays later.
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On the ensuing defensive drive, an interception by linebacker Jalen Sneed was wiped out by a roughing the passer penalty on defensive lineman Jason Onye.
NBC television broadcast cameras showed Freeman absolutely fuming at officials on the sideline after the questionable call wiped out the interception. The call came at a pivotal moment, as the Irish only had a two-possession lead with over 11 minutes left in regulation.
Not long after Freeman voiced his agitation, he began trending on X for his behavior on the sideline. Many college football fans agreed that the calls were getting out of hand.
“Phantom calls on both teams, overly sensitive. I get Marcus Freeman’s crash out on the sidelines lol,” wrote a fan.
“For a guy who a couple weeks ago talked about not wanting to be animated on the sidelines, Marcus Freeman is spilling out every passion he has about bad officiating in the 4th quarter,” pointed out a poster.
“Good job by Marcus Freeman getting on these refs,” commented another.
“When was the last time Marcus Freeman was this animated at an official?” asked a fan. “Mercy.”
“I mean, come on. A bunch of these flags have been warranted, but this has been a pathetic day for the officiating crew. Marcus Freeman is letting them have it,” posted another.
Notre Dame preserved through the swamp of yellow flags to improve to 3-2 with a 28-7 win over Boise State at Notre Dame Stadium. Following a 0-2 start with losses to No. 3 Miami and No. 6 Texas A&M, the Irish will remain in the College Football Playoff conversation.
Notre Dame will next host North Carolina State in Week 7.
For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.
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