Transcript: Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman opens Sugar Bowl prep [Video]

Notre Dame football head coach Marcus Freeman met with reporters Monday inside Notre Dame Stadium for his first press conference ahead of the College Football Playoff quarterfinal played at the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on Jan. 1 (8:45 p.m. EST on ESPN). No. 7 seed Notre Dame (12-1) will take on No. 2 seed Georgia (11-2).

Here’s everything Freeman had to say in transcript form. Answers are largely verbatim. Questions may have been edited for brevity and clarity.

SUBSCRIBE TO INSIDE ND SPORTS TO STAY IN THE KNOW ON NOTRE DAME ATHLETICS

Opening statement

Marcus Freeman: “Friday night was just a great win in a great environment. Again, I want to make sure to thank everybody who had a part in making that game day atmosphere special. As far as the game went, we knew a major key to victory would be we had to be able to run the ball …