The Independent: A Notre Dame Football Podcast

Matt & Pete return to look back at the season that was for the Irish as well as discuss some of the sport altering news around Nick Saban retiring and the ensuing coach and player shuffle. Kalen DeBoer taking the Alabama job created the domino effect that spared Notre Dame but will other coaching moves impact the team. Plus, tune in for thoughts on where Marcus Freeman ranks among the top coaches in college football and early projections for the 2024 Irish season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Irish closed out a 10-3 season with a 40-8 victory over Oregon State to take home the Sun Bowl title and earn Marcus Freeman a Frosted Flakes bath. Steve Angeli threw for three touchdowns in his Notre Dame debut and the defense remained stout in the win. Jordan Faison earn MVP honors with 115 yards receiving and a score. The 10-3 season sets up Notre Dame with momentum heading into 2024 as they will have a chance to make the expanded playoff next year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Matt & Pete preview the Irish bowl game against Oregon State from El Paso where Pete has the latest from Notre Dame before tomorrow’s matchup. Tune in for thoughts on how the bowl will go and how it will setup Marcus Freeman’s team for the 2024 campaign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join Matt & Pete as they discuss the hiring of Mike Denbrock as Notre Dame's offensive coordinator to replace Gerad Parker. How does this impact the Irish for next season and what will this mean for Marcus Freeman's staff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For the third consecutive year the Irish will have a new offensive coordinator under Marcus Freeman. Join Matt & Pete as they discuss the departure of Gerad Parker and what it means for the staff and Notre Dame’s prospects in 2024. Plus, updates from the transfer portal and thoughts on how the bowl game will be impacted by this turnover on the staff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For the second straight year the Irish bring in a highly sought after transfer portal QB in Riley Leonard from Duke. Matt & Pete discuss Leonard joining Marcus Freeman’s team and how he will fit in with this offense as well as how he compares to Sam Hartman. Plus, more news out of the portal as well as Sun Bowl opt outs and what other offseason news to expect for the Irish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Irish found out their bowl destination on Sunday night as they will be headed to El Paso, Texas to face Oregon State in the Sun Bowl. Join Matt & Pete for first thoughts on the bowl selection as well as reactions to the matchup with the Beavers. Plus, news from the transfer portal who is on the move and who could the Irish pickup for the 2024 season. Marcus Freeman addressed the matchup and awaits the decision of which players will opt-out, will Sam Hartman play for the Irish during the bowl game or will Notre Dame be with a different starting QB for the postseason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week’s episode of the Independent, Matt & Pete talk about the news that Notre Dame has parted ways with wide receivers coach Chansi Stuckey. Plus, thoughts on transfer portal options for the Irish as well as who has decided to depart the roster for the portal and will Riley Leonard be the new man under center for Marcus Freeman? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the final game of the regular season the Irish defeated Stanford 56-23 behind a career day for Auric Estimé. Estimé had four touchdowns and ran for a career high of 238 yards as Notre Dame improved to 9-3 on the season. Matt & Pete discuss the game against the Cardinal as well as what bowl season and the offseason holds for the Irish. What steps has Marcus Freeman taken this year and will his staff look the same at the start of next season. Will Notre Dame look for another transfer portal QB with Sam Hartman’s career coming to a close? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Matt & Pete return for a pre-Thanksgiving show to discuss the upcoming matchup with Stanford to close out the regular season on Saturday. Plus, Father Nate Wills joins the show to talk about his role as the team chaplain and share his take on the program. Will Marcus Freeman’s team close out the year with a victory and what are the bowl possibilities for the Irish? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sam Hartman poured it on against his former team on Saturday, throwing for four touchdowns and 277 yards in Notre Dame’s win against Wake Forest. Rico Flores Jr. had 102 yards receiving and Marcus Freeman’s team improved to 8-3 on the season heading into their final game of the regular season against Stanford. Matt & Pete give their postgame thoughts and discuss how Notre Dame should use the final few weeks of 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Matt & Pete return from the bye week to preview the final home game of the season for the Irish as they face off against Wake Forest. Plus, former Notre Dame linebacker Joe Schmidt stops by to discuss his thoughts on this season so far and what remains for Marcus Freeman’s team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week Matt & Pete talk aftermath of the Clemson loss with Eric Mac Lain of the ACC Network as well as what does Notre Dame need to do to take the next step under Marcus Freeman. Plus, Mac Lain shares his perspective on what separates coaches in his eyes and what the Irish will need this offseason to compete at the highest level. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Irish offense struggled throughout the day and Sam Hartman was 12-25 with 146 yards & two interceptions as Notre Dame lost to Clemson 31-23. Matt & Pete give their thoughts on the loss and where this leaves Marcus Freeman’s team heading into the final two games of the season. With the end of the regular season already in sight and a New Year’s Six bowl likely out of reach the discussion shifts to what offseason changes might come down the line for Notre Dame. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Heading into a very different Notre Dame - Clemson matchup than years past, Matt & Pete return discuss the Irish with former ND defensive lineman Ian Williams. Tune in for predictions as well as reaction to the latest from Dabo Swinney before Saturday’s game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Irish put together a dominant performance against Pitt as they forced five turnovers that led to 23 points and cruised to the home victory. Audric Estime rushed for 114 yards and three touchdowns while Sam Hartman threw for almost 300 yards. The Defense was led by Xavier Watt’s two interceptions and didn’t give up a score till late in the game. Join Matt & Pete for their thoughts on the win and how Notre Dame’s opponents fared on Saturday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week Matt & Pete return to discuss the upcoming matchup between the Irish and the Pitt Panthers. They are joined by Tim O’Malley to talk about Notre Dame headed into the final four games of the season and what it is like coaching Marcus Freeman’s kids in flag football. What can we expect from Sam Hartman the rest of the way, how have QB transfers changed college football and the duo give their predictions for the game against Pitt this weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Matt & Pete are joined by Tim Murray of VSiN to discuss Notre Dame through eight games. Plus, a look at what Vegas thinks of the Irish for the remainder of the season and thoughts on how opinions of the coaching staff changed following the win over USC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Matt & Pete share their postgame reaction to Notre Dame’s dominant victory over the Trojans. The Irish forced 3 Caleb Williams interceptions and bounced back from their defeat a week ago. Marcus Freeman praised the defense and the show looks ahead to what else ND fans can expect from this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Matt & Pete are joined by Antonio Morales of the Athletic to discuss the upcoming matchup with the Trojans in South Bend this Saturday. Plus, the state of the program following seven games and predictions for how the Irish will fare against USC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Matt & Pete discuss the struggles for the Irish in their Saturday night defeat at Louisville. Sam Hartman threw three picks and the offense could not get going against the Cardinals as Notre Dame falls to 5-2 on the season. Where do the Irish go from here and how do you assess Marcus Freeman and his staff following a loss that has the team in a tough spot going into the matchup against USC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, friend of the show and former Irish offensive lineman Mike Golic Jr. joins to talk about Notre Dame’s season through six games and what all these night games mean to players. Plus, Matt & Pete preview the Saturday night matchup at Louisville. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Irish found a way to win on the road at Duke with a final drive that kept Notre Dame’s season from spiraling. Matt & Pete give their postgame reaction to a game that appeared to have the Irish headed for back-to-back losses before Sam Hartman & Audric Estime’s final drive heroics. Marcus Freeman called it a “Sweet Victory” and Notre Dame improves to 5-1 on the season before another road trip next week to Louisville. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How does Notre Dame respond from a gut-wrenching loss to Ohio State? Ty Hildenbrandt from the Solid Verbal joins Matt and Pete to talk it out. Plus, the guys preview this weekend’s game at Duke. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Matt & Pete share their thoughts on Notre Dame’s first loss of the season against Ohio State. Tune in for perspective on the ending and what Marcus Freeman had to say about the sequence that led to giving up the game-winning touchdown. What is the lasting impact of this game and where do the Irish go from here? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A monumental game necessitates a monumental week of podcasting with the second episode previewing Notre Dame welcoming Ohio State this Saturday. Matt & Pete answer questions during a live taping of the show in Chicago at ESQ Clothing and give their predictions for how this one will play out. Plus, don't miss the live postgame show following the game Saturday night approximately one hour after the final whistle on The Independent YouTube page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The biggest Notre Dame home game in nearly two decades is upon us as Ohio State pays a visit to South Bend this weekend. Matt & Pete are joined by former Buckeye and current NBC analyst Joshua Perry to discuss the matchup as well as his thoughts on the Irish and Marcus Freeman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As Marcus Freeman said afterward: It’s Ohio State week. Matt and Pete recap Notre Dame’s 41-17 win over Central Michigan and start diving into next week’s top-10 matchup with the Buckeyes. The Irish had nearly 600 yards of offense and Sam Hartman threw three touchdowns on the way to a 4-0 start for Notre Dame. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Notre Dame passed its first test of the 2023 season with a convincing win at NC State and now Matt & Pete return to preview the Central Michigan game as well as catch up with Irish radio voice Paul Burmeister. Plus, early thoughts on the matchup against Ohio State and what the Independent has in store for the biggest game of the season to date. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pete and Matt recap Notre Dame’s 45-24 win at NC State, as the 3-0 Irish take another step forward in their first real test of the season. Audric Estme had an 80-yard touchdown run after the weather delay and Sam Hartman threw four touchdowns for Notre Dame's 29th straight regular season win against an ACC team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Following a 2-0 start for the Irish, Matt & Pete return to preview the matchup with NC State on Saturday as well as catch up with Roddy Jones to discuss the ever-expanding ACC. Find out what to expect from the Wolfpack, predictions, and how a victory could setup Notre Dame for a memorable matchup in South Bend later this month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Matt and Pete recap Notre Dame’s 56-3 win over Tennessee State, as the Irish improve to 2-0 and Sam Hartman continues to look like a star QB. Sam Hartman passed for 194 yards and two touchdowns and the defense kept its early season success going by holding their second consecutive opponent without a touchdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With Week Zero in the books, Matt & Pete return to preview the second week of the Notre Dame Fall campaign. Pete catches up with Irish legend Joe Montana in Dublin to talk about his deal with Guinness as well as his connection to the program over the years. Plus, Ryan Harris joins to discuss broadcast travel logistics and his early reaction to the win over Navy. Then things wrap up with a preview of Tennessee State ahead of Saturday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Matt & Pete breakdown the Notre Dame victory over Navy, 42-3, to start the 2023 season. How does Sam Hartman's performance raise the ceiling for the Irish this Fall? Who stepped up in Week 0 and Pete shares his most memorable experiences from his time in Dublin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pete Sampson and Matt Fortuna are back with their new podcast, The Independent. The debut show previews the 2023 Notre Dame season and welcomes Bruce Feldman (32:17) to talk about Marcus Freeman’s program’s rise up his Freaks List. Plus, reaction to Freeman’s weekly press conference (12:50), final record predictions (54:34) and why Notre Dame could surprise. Welcome back, dear listeners, let’s get ready for a most interesting Notre Dame football season with Pete, Matt and The Independent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pete Sampson of the Athletic and Matt Fortuna of The Inside Zone are back to take you inside the Notre Dame program. With a combined 35 years + of experience on the ND beat, this twice weekly podcast has you covered for everything blue and gold. Subscribe now to the essential Notre Dame podcast for Fighting Irish football fans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.