Following the game, Freeman met with Penn State head coach James Franklin at midfield. The two shared a handshake and a quick conversation before going their separate ways. "All respect between Marcus Freeman and James Franklin," posted SportsCenter.

Before their teams square off in the Orange Bowl, Penn State head coach James Franklin admitted Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman is living his follicle fantasy. During a Wednesday, January 8, press conference ahead of the game on Thursday night,

One head coach will make history by winning the Orange Bowl on Thursday. When Penn State-Notre Dame goes final in the College Football Playoff semifinal either James Franklin or Marcus Freeman will become the first Black head coach to lead a team into the FBS National Championship game.