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Facing the enormous emotional burden of the day, Notre Dame's head coach Marcus Freeman articulated the struggle between mourning and maintaining focus on the crucial game ahead. The initial atmosphere of the team meeting was heavily draped in sorrow as they paused to pray for the victims and their families. However, it quickly transitioned into a call for resilience, with Freeman reminding his players of the importance of community in difficult times.
Freeman emphasized how moments of hardship reveal a program's culture as well as the nation’s enduring spirit. He expressed confidence that the public would rally around New Orleans and support those affected, highlighting a collective hope amidst the chaos.