In college football, it's easy to buy into hype. Flashy quarterback highlights, spring game stats and the transfer portal carousel can distract you from what actually matters when the lights are brightest in December and January.

But if you strip away the noise, the winning formula remains simple: continuity and veteran talent. If you don't have both, you're building your house on sand.

Notre Dame has the foundation: solid, tested and ready to hold weight for a second straight playoff run.

Marcus Freeman is entering his fifth year as Irish head coach. He has navigated injuries and rotating quarterbacks. He led Notre Dame to the national title game last year in the the kind of season that either breaks a young coach or forges him into something special. Freeman has grown and proven he b

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