Notre Dame Coach Marcus Freeman Removed from Ohio State Group Chat
The No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes have their biggest test of the season on Saturday when they head to South Bend, Indiana for a game against the No. 9 Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Leading the Fighting Irish from the sideline is head coach Marcus Freeman, whom Buckeyes may remember from the early 2000's. Freeman spent his college football career playing linebacker alongside some Ohio State legends, one of whom is Bobby Carpenter.
Carpenter said he, Freeman and the rest of the linebackers keep in touch via a group text string, but that they had to levy a one-week suspension to a certain member ahead of this week's game.
"We've got one, just the three of us who were all seniors, and we have one with James (Laurinaitis)," Carpenter said. "There was one with Marcus in it, but this week, you've got to make sure that he's out of there."
Ohio State linebacker Marcus Freeman (1) returns an interception during a game against the Iowa Hawkeyes on September 30, 2006.
Some of the other former Ohio State linebackers involved in these group chats include A.J. Hawk and Anthony Schlegel.
Carpenter did compliment Freeman during the same conversation with On3's Andy Staples, saying the physical condition of his ex-defensive partner since becoming a coach is more than impressive.
"When he came into Ohio State, he always used to have problems with his weight," Carpenter said. "I look at him now, I'm like, 'Marcus, man, this new spelt version of you. I'm so proud and impressed.'"
Carpenter and the rest of Freeman's aforementioned former teammates all pull for him and the Fighting Irish throughout the season...except for this week.
"I want him to win every game, except for the one against Ohio State," Carpenter said. "I wish Marcus the utmost success."
