Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman says the Fighting Irish need to concentrate on winning this season to prevent a repeat of last year’s postseason outcome. Speaking at a news conference Tuesday, Freeman addressed the program’s early-season expectations and pointed to last season’s failure to reach the College Football Playoff as motivation for what comes next. Multiple reports note that Notre Dame is expected to open the season ranked among the top teams in the AP poll, and that the team views returning to the playoff field as a central goal. Freeman said he is not focused on dwelling on last season, but he did reference it in stressing accountability. “We didn’t earn that opportunity,” he said, indicating the team did not meet the standard needed to make the playoff. The coach also looked ahead to Notre Dame’s first game of the season on Sept. 6 against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field. Overall, Freeman’s message emphasizes performance in the present season rather than reflecting on past results.