Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman Breaks Tradition by Banning ‘Garbage Time’—Here’s Why It’s Sparking Controversy

Is it just me, or does the phrase “garbage time” seem downright disrespectful when you consider the grit and grind every player pours out on that field? Take Notre Dame, for instance — after stumbling out of the gate at 0-2, Marcus Freeman’s crew absolutely steamrolled Arkansas 56-13. But here’s the kicker: Freeman isn’t cozying up to the idea that the late game is any less crucial. If anything, he’s doubling down on accountability, making it crystal clear that every single snap is a chance to prove yourself — no slouches or second-stringers getting a free pass here. It’s a mindset shift that’s hard to argue with when you see how Notre Dame’s outscoring opponents 112-43 across their last two wins. Are other programs ready to take a page from Freeman’s playbook, or is “garbage time” just too ingrained to ditch? One thing’s for sure — with the Fighting Irish eyeing a climb back into playoff contention, every moment on that gridiron counts like gold. LEARN MORE

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish football program has regained its footing after a shaky 0-2 start, but head coach Marcus Freeman made it clear he’s not letting up. Following Saturday’s 56-13 blowout win over the Arkansas Razorbacks, Freeman pushed back strongly on the idea of “garbage time,” reinforcing the program’s culture of full-effort accountability.

In a postgame piece by On3’s Griffin McVeigh, Freeman addressed the media after the dominant win. When a reporter mentioned “garbage time” while asking about second-year defensive lineman Cole Mullins, the head coach didn’t hold back in his response.

“Please don’t call it garbage time to me. Every play is important, man. Every single play is important… If any of our guys had the mindset of ‘This is garbage time,’ then they don’t understand they’re being evaluated the same way the starters are. It’s important that they have that mindset because we’re going to hold you, that second group, to the standard we hold the first group to. That’s the only way to do it… This is game reps, man. You are not guaranteed a lot of these. Go make the most of them.”

Freeman’s response underscored his focus on development and depth, particularly in blowout games like the win over Arkansas. Though Mullins logged just one deflected pass, the 39-year-old coach praised his effort and progress as proof of the program’s “standard is the standard” mentality.

Notre Dame has outscored opponents 112-43 over their last two wins, bouncing back strongly from early losses to the Miami Hurricanes and Texas A&M Aggies. Now sitting at 2-2 and ranked No. 21 in the AP Poll, the Fighting Irish have a chance to move above .500 when they host the Boise State Broncos this upcoming Saturday. By rejecting the “garbage time” label, Freeman is sending a clear message to players and fans alike, every snap counts as the program pushes to climb back into playoff contention.

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