Live updates: Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman Sept. 22 press conference before Arkansas

Scroll down for notes from the press conference or watch the replay in the video player above.

“We spent a lot of time on Sunday as a defensive staff — it wasn’t a comfortable meeting. I didn’t want it to be comfortable. We have one of two options — we’re going to (come together) and get our guys better and believe in what we’re doing, or we’ll celebrate. And if we separate, it won’t be good for anyone. And it has to trickle down to our players.”

“If I thought we weren’t calling the game the right way—trust me, I know the definition of insanity—but if that was the case, I got to do what’s best for the program.”

“As you evaluate the first two games, some of the pressures we called — we didn’t get enough pressure — whether it was a zone or man pressure to warrant having one or two less defenders. We’re not getting the ball out of the quarterback’s hands fast enough. If we’re going to bring pressure, we have to get home. We’re not going to stop bringing pressure, but we have to do a better job of winning our one-on-ones when we bring pressure. You can’t ask the DBs to cover with one or two less defenders for an extended period of time. We have to execute the pressures better.”

“If we need to match him up with the best wide receiver no matter where he’s at, we will.”

Dawson didn’t practice a lot last week and Notre Dame held him off the field vs. Purdue because he wasn’t all the way there physically. Dawson will be available against Arkansas.

“We’ve moved him to nickel Monday of last week. For him to put himself to play 60 or 70 plays — it’s a testament to the work he’s put into it and his ability. Like any freshman, there was ups and downs, but I’m confident in where he’s headed.”

“I’m as confident in the entire offensive line as I’ve ever been. We gave up the sack, and Knapp will take ownership of it. CJ will ownership of it … But I’m confident in all five of those guys.”

Freeman praises how both practiced and earned the trust in their coaches. He feels both played well against Purdue.

“They could easily be 4-0. It’s a top-five offense in the country, and their defense is good. It doesn’t get any easier for our defense … We’re looking forward to a great environment. It’ll be a great challenge.”

Marcus Freeman points out two areas the Notre Dame defense could be better…

-Playing better fundamentally in terms of man coverage

-Pass rushing technique

He also adds that when you’re getting beat in man, you go to zone. And the Irish have too many holes in their zone.

“It’s our job as coaches to make sure that we attack those issues.”