Marcus Freeman gives explanation on Notre Dame's second Pick-6 vs. South Carolina

Marcus Freeman explained what happened in the leadup to the 100-yard pick-6 by O’Donnell Fortune.

Freeman explained that they were looking for a “specific look” that never came and that the ball should have never been thrown.

“We shouldn’t have threw it,” said Freeman. “We shouldn’t have called it.”

Tyler Buchner seemed to be aiming for TE Mitchell Evans on a slant route over the middle. It appeared that Buchner did not see Fortune, who was able to secure the pick.

Marcus Freeman says Notre Dame was looking for a “specific look” on South Carolina’s 100-yard interception return for a touchdown. “We shouldn’t have threw it. We shouldn’t have called it.”

— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) December 31, 2022

The 100-yard return by Fortune tied the game late in the 4th quarter.

PICK 6⃣!!!!

O’Donnell Fortune runs it back 100-YARDS to the endzone!

📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/1fNEcDfGTe

— Gamecock Football (@GamecockFB) December 30, 2022

The play by Fortune was the 2nd pick-6 of the night for the Gamecock defense. DQ Smith also came up with an INT and ran it back for a 53-yard TD.

Buchner threw 3 total INTs on the day, but also had 3 TD passes. The Irish were ultimately able to escape with a 45-38 win in the 2022 Gator Bowl.