The blocked punts and kicks are an entity unto themselves. The 2024 Irish, now 12-1 and preparing for a second playoff game against Georgia in the New Orleans Sugar Bowl, lead the nation with six, tying Louisville for the top spot.

But when it comes to the element of surprise – the straw that can ultimately break the camel’s back of an opponent focusing on the basics of offense, defense and special teams – Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, in concert with his always-scheming special teams coordinator Marty Biagi, has unveiled a series of fake punts, fake field goals, and wacky formations that can catch the opposition off guard.

“I’ve always had a mindset as an individual, as a coach, to be aggressive, even as a defensive coordinator,” said Freeman a few days after unveiling a newfangled formation on what would have been a short field-goal attempt in the Dec. 20 victory over Indiana.