By Madeline Coleman The final play between the Fighting Irish and the Golden Bears looked like a game of hot potato. Notre Dame fans, you can collectively release the breath you were likely holding. The Fighting Irish had started the Marcus Freeman era 0–3 heading into Saturday’s matchup against Cal, dating back to Notre Dame’s bowl game. After last Saturday’s loss to Marshall, the program is the third team since 2000 to lose its first two games after being a preseason top 5-ranked squad, according to ESPN Stats & Info. But now, Notre Dame sits at 1–2 after narrowly escaping Cal, 24–17. It was…