Notre Dame safety Brandon Joseph and California wide receiver Mavin Anderson (11) leap for a tipped ball as time expired in the second half of an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. The pass was incomplete. Notre Dame defeated California 24-17.(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman finally got his first victory. It wasn't easy.
Drew Pyne passed for two touchdowns and 150 yards in his first career start and Notre Dame overcame numerous mistakes to hold on to beat California 24-17 Saturday.
Freeman was asked what was going through his mind when two potentially game-clinching turnovers were overturned, one on a targeting penalty and another when Cal quarterback Jack Plummer was ruled down before he fumbled.
"It was a conversation between me and God, and a conversation between me and myself to focus on what matters," Freeman said.
The way the Irish have played this season has a lot of Irish fans praying and talking to themselves.
The Irish (1-2) outscored Cal (2-1) 10-0 in the fourth quarter to avoid becoming just the third Notre Dame squad to start a season 0-3. The Irish, who started the season ranked No. 5, had blown leads three times, made sure there was no second-half letdown this time.
"Found a way to finish," Freeman said. "I'm proud of those guys. You know what, it is hard to win football games. It's hard. You've seen it in the first three games. It's hard."
It wasn't over until the last play as officials overturned two plays that appeared to be game-clinching turnovers for the Irish, giving the Bears a last-second shot. On fourth-and-13 from the Notre Dame 35, Cal's Jack Plummer threw the ball into the end zone. The ball bounced off several players and Bears receiver Jeremiah Hunter nearly pulled it in, but the ball landed on the grass.
It was a familiar feeling for the Bears, who had five losses by seven points or less last season.
"It's gut-wrenching. We had chances to win. Too many errors. One or two more plays," Cal coach Justin Wilcox said.
Notre Dame tailback Chris Tyree said it was hard to watch.
"They almost gave me a heart attack out there, man," he said. "It's really exciting football to watch, especially when it goes down to the wire like that. That's going to be a moment we'll never forget."
Defensive lineman Jacob Lacey, who finished with five tackles and two sacks, said the Irish defense was focused on finishing in the fourth quarter.
"It's everything we work for. It's one of our keys to victory, finishing in the fourth quarter. We talk about it every week. We fell short a couple of times, but now we're on the right track."
Notre Dame running back Audric Estime is tackled by California cornerback Jeremiah Earby (29) and linebacker Jackson Sirmon during the first half of an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Notre Dame quarterback Drew Pyne throws against California during the first half of an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Notre Dame running back Chris Tyree runs in for a touchdown in front of California safety Craig Woodson (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Notre Dame defensive lineman Isaiah Foskey sacks California quarterback Jack Plummer (13) on a fourth down play during the second half of an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. Notre Dame defeated California 24-17.(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Notre Dame defensive lineman Jayson Ademilola (57) celebrates a sack against California with defensive lineman Justin Ademilola during the second half of an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. Notre Dame defeated California 24-17.(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Notre Dame running back Audric Estime (7) picks up a first down in front of California linebacker Myles Jernigan (33) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. Notre Dame defeated California 24-17.(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Notre Dame running back Chris Tyree is tackled by California cornerback Lu-Magia Hearns III (15) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman celebrates a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against California in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. Notre Dame defeated California 24-17.(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Notre Dame running back Audric Estime takes the hand off from quarterback Drew Pyne on his way to a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. Notre Dame defeated California 24-17.(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
California quarterback Jack Plummer (13) throws against Notre Dame during the first half of an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Former Notre Dame player Manti Te'o enters the stadium before an NCAA college football game between Notre Dame and California in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)