Notre Dame Football: Freeman Using CFP Snub to Fuel Team Spring football practices are set to begin later this week at Notre Dame, as the Irish continue their pursuit of a College Football Playoff berth following their 2025 snub. Coach Marcus Freeman addressed how the team is channeling the disappointment of missing the playoff into motivation for the upcoming season. In an interview with WSBT, Freeman reflected on the emotional weight of the decision, emphasizing the importance of accountability. “You lose it when you blame somebody else for the situation you have,” he said. “It’s so easy to blame the CFP committee or other external factors, but when we own it and recognize that we left doubt—because we didn’t make the most of the opportunity—we can use that as fuel.” He stressed that the team must carry this mindset into daily challenges, ensuring they leave no doubt about their preparation. Freeman’s comments highlight a broader focus on self-reflection and resilience. “You can use it in motivation, you can use it in terms of everyday struggles,” he explained. The coach acknowledged the human tendency to seek external blame but urged his players to take responsibility for their performance. This approach aims to transform the setback into a driving force for improvement. The first spring practice is scheduled for Friday morning, marking the start of a critical training period. As the team prepares for the 2026 season, Freeman’s emphasis on accountability and growth underscores the program’s commitment to overcoming past shortcomings and competing at the highest level.#notre_dame #2026_season #marcus_freeman #cfp_committee #spring_practices
How the 2025 CFP Snub Helped Notre Dame Football This Offseason Nobody associated with Notre Dame football could see it or sense it in the moment, let alone rationalize how it might be of help down the road. The road the Irish currently travel. In the aftermath of the 2025 College Football Playoff snub, Notre Dame football found itself in a fog of uncertainty. The team’s season ended without a chance to compete for a national title, as the College Football Playoff committee opted to exclude them from the postseason. At the time, the decision felt like a setback, a cruel twist of fate that left the program adrift. But months later, as the winter lingered in South Bend with snow on the ground and wind howling through the stadium, the snub began to take on a different light. For fifth-year head coach Marcus Freeman, the exclusion became a catalyst. It provided a clear mandate: to leave no doubt about Notre Dame’s readiness to reclaim its place at the top of college football. Freeman’s mantra, “Leave No Doubt,” became the guiding principle for the 2026 season. The phrase was first introduced in January and later repeated during his media session to kick off spring practice. It was a call to action, a reminder that the team had to prove itself in every phase of the year—from winter conditioning to summer workouts, fall camp, and the 12 regular-season games ahead. The snub also allowed the program to refocus its priorities. Without the distraction of a playoff run, Notre Dame could concentrate on rebuilding its roster, refining its system, and addressing weaknesses. The absence of a playoff berth meant the team could take a step back, assess its strengths and gaps, and approach the 2026 season with a renewed sense of purpose.#notre_dame #2026_season #college_football_playoff #marcus_freeman #south_bend
Phillies' Johan Rojas suspended 80 games for failed drug test The Philadelphia Phillies' Johan Rojas has been suspended for 80 games after failing a drug test. The suspension was announced on March 16, 2026, at 06:24 PM ET. Rojas, a reliever for the Phillies, tested positive for a prohibited substance, prompting the league to impose the penalty. The decision follows standard procedures for handling such violations, which typically involve a review of the testing process and confirmation of the results. The suspension will begin with the 2026 season, impacting Rojas' availability for the majority of the campaign. The Phillies have not yet commented on the specifics of the case or the potential implications for the team's roster. This marks the latest in a series of disciplinary actions taken by Major League Baseball to address performance-enhancing drug use.#2026_season #phillies #johan_rojas #major_league_baseball #drug_test
Coco Gauff retires against Alexandra Eala at Indian Wells after left arm felt "like a firework was going off" Coco Gauff was forced to retire from her match against Alexandra Eala at the Indian Wells tournament on March 9, 2026, due to severe pain in her left arm. The world No. 4 described the injury as feeling "like a firework was going off," a metaphor that underscored the intensity of the discomfort she experienced during the match. This marked only the second time in her career that Gauff had to abandon a tour-level match, highlighting the severity of the issue. The incident occurred during the second set of their encounter, with Eala maintaining a strong performance throughout the match. Despite Gauff’s efforts to push through the pain, the injury ultimately forced her to withdraw. Eala, who was making her Indian Wells debut, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete at the event, stating, “I’m really, really grateful” for the chance to showcase her skills on the tournament’s courts. Gauff’s retirement came just days after she faced challenges with her serve, a recurring issue that has plagued her performance in recent months. Analysts have speculated that the combination of physical strain and technical difficulties may have contributed to her inability to continue. The incident also added to the growing list of injuries affecting top-tier players ahead of the 2026 season. Eala’s victory over Gauff was a significant moment in her career, as it marked her first win at a WTA 1000 event. The 18-year-old Filipino player, who had previously reached the quarterfinals of the 2025 US Open, demonstrated composure and resilience in the face of a high-profile opponent.#indian_wells #alexandra_eala #wta_1000 #coco_gauff #2026_season
