Notre Dame faces a daunting challenge as they prepare to take on Ohio State in the College Football Playoff national championship game. The Buckeyes boast what many consider the most talented roster in college football, aiming to complete a revenge tour following a disappointing four-game losing streak against Michigan. The stakes are high, and the Fighting Irish will need to bring their A-game to stand a chance.
The Buckeyes’ Defensive Dominance
Ohio State’s defense is a force to be reckoned with. National college football analyst Josh Pate highlighted the magnitude of this challenge for Notre Dame. He emphasized the difficulty of shutting down the Buckeyes, stating, “Even if you do limit them, you will not shut them down. I don’t believe anyone will shut Ohio State down. They’re gonna get points somehow. You hopefully limit them. But, on the other side, you gotta score.”
The heart of Ohio State’s defense lies in their formidable defensive front. Pate pointed out, “This is where Ohio State holds all the cards in their hands because, to me, the most important unit in the game is Ohio State’s defensive front. They could slam the door on the game. They could shut Notre Dame out. They are good enough to where 17 points on the other side, it’s good enough.”
Key Players to Watch
One player who has made a significant impact for Ohio State is Jack Sawyer. He showcased his skills during the College Football Playoff by strip-sacking Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers—his former roommate—and returning the loose ball for a crucial touchdown. This kind of aggressive play has become a hallmark of the Buckeyes’ defense. Pate noted, “They have allowed 62 yards rushing per game in the playoff. They have accumulated 16 sacks in the playoffs, so they can totally take over this game.”
Notre Dame will have to contend with injuries on their offensive line, which adds another layer of difficulty. With their left tackle out and a starting guard listed as questionable, the Irish face an uphill battle against a fierce Ohio State defense.
What Notre Dame Needs to Do to Compete
For Notre Dame to have any hope of success, they need to find a way to score against this tough defense. Star tailback Jeremiyah Love has shown flashes of brilliance, notably with a 98-yard run against Indiana in the playoffs. Pate believes that explosive plays will be crucial for the Irish. “They need the explosive play to re-emerge,” he stated. “They’re No. 14 in rushing this year, but it’s been kind of limited in the playoffs—which is crazy because they’ve won anyway.”
Pate recalled Love’s impressive run against Indiana, but he pointed out that such explosive plays have been scarce in subsequent games. “If that shows up against Ohio State, okay, ignore what I’m saying,” he said. “I just think it takes a little bit more to beat Ohio State, respectfully, than it does the other teams you’ve played so far.”
The challenge for Notre Dame is not just to limit Ohio State’s scoring but also to find ways to put points on the board themselves. The Buckeyes’ defensive prowess means that the Irish will need to be at their best offensively.
The Road Ahead
As the championship game approaches, all eyes will be on how Notre Dame plans to tackle this formidable opponent. The Irish must develop a game plan that not only protects their quarterback but also opens up lanes for their running backs. With the Buckeyes’ defense being so effective, any mistakes could prove costly.
The atmosphere will undoubtedly be electric, with fans from both sides eager to see their teams battle it out for college football’s ultimate prize. The stakes are high, and the pressure is on both teams to perform at their peak.
In summary, Notre Dame’s path to victory against Ohio State will require a combination of strategic planning, execution, and perhaps a bit of luck. The Buckeyes’ defensive strengths present a significant challenge, but if the Irish can find ways to exploit weaknesses and make explosive plays, they may just have a fighting chance in this high-stakes showdown. The excitement is palpable, and fans are eager to see how this epic clash unfolds on the national stage.
