(Notre Dame) — Even last week on the recruiting trail, Marcus Freeman heard people dogging Florida State’s worst football team in 50 years.

The Notre Dame football coach isn’t buying it.

“I heard it on the road last week recruiting, ‘oh you guys got Florida State they’re struggling,’ and yes, their record might not be where they want it to be,” noted Freeman. “But you know I am not trying to make this team something they’re not. They’re a talented, talented football team and that’s going to be my message to the team is that we respect our opponent. You don’t have to watch many plays to realize how talented they are.”

Freeman’s 10th-ranked Fighting Irish face the 1-8 Seminoles Saturday night at Notre Dame Stadium. It’s the only primetime home game for Notre Dame this season.

“You’re playing Florida State at home in a night game,” exclaims Freeman. What a great opportunity! We have to respect that opportunity in the way we prepare. We respect our opponent. That’s why I say ‘keep the pain of NIU’, because that’s a result of not having the right mindset.”

Not only did Freeman show respect to the Seminoles, he also lauded their head coach Mike Norvell, whom Freeman faced when he was a defensive coordinator at Cincinnati and Norvell was the head coach at Memphis.

“He’s an innovative mind,” notes Freeman. “He has a unique ability every week to put your defense in a compromised position. I have a lot of respect for him.”

That said, Florida State has its worst record in 50 years, with an offense that is dead last in FBS offense in scoring and 132nd in total offense (out of 133 FBS teams).

“The record doesn’t reflect their talent,” states the Irish head coach. “They’ve had to deal with some injuries especially at QB that has affected the outcome of their games.”

Kickoff for Saturday night’s game is shortly after 7:30, and will be shown on NBC and Peacock.