As the anticipation builds for Monday night’s College Football Playoff National Championship Game, all eyes are on the matchup between Notre Dame and Ohio State. While many experts, including Joel Klatt, see this as a challenging contest for the underdog Fighting Irish, there’s still a glimmer of hope for Notre Dame fans. Klatt, a FOX Sports analyst, has laid out a potential path to victory for the Irish, albeit one that won’t be easy.
Understanding the Challenge Ahead
Ohio State enters this championship game as an 8.5-point favorite, showcasing a roster valued at a staggering $20 million. Their playoff performance has been nothing short of dominant, outscoring teams like Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas by a combined score of 111-52. Each playoff victory has come by at least two touchdowns, including a decisive 28-14 win over Texas in the Cotton Bowl national semifinal.
On the flip side, Notre Dame has had a more modest journey, winning their games by an average margin of just 8.7 points. Their most recent victory was a nail-biter against Penn State, where they edged out a 27-24 win in the Orange Bowl national semifinal. This stark contrast in performance raises the question: Can Notre Dame truly compete with the high-flying Buckeyes?
Joel Klatt’s Insights on Notre Dame’s Strategy
Klatt believes that for Notre Dame to have a shot at victory, they must focus on creating a low-scoring game. “To me, it’s not really a game that favors Notre Dame,” Klatt remarked on his podcast, The Joel Klatt Show. “The Irish need a low-scoring game to have a chance.” This strategy aligns with their previous successes, where they have thrived in gritty, defensive battles rather than high-scoring shootouts.
“No one has been able to turn a game into a track meet, at the elite level, against Notre Dame,” Klatt explained. The Fighting Irish excel at controlling the game tempo, thanks to their strong offensive line and a defense that’s particularly adept at stopping the run. With a solid front seven and an impressive secondary, they have the tools to disrupt Ohio State’s rhythm.
Key Factors for Notre Dame’s Success
So, what does Klatt suggest as the key to Notre Dame’s potential upset? It starts with neutralizing Ohio State’s explosive passing attack. “What does the film suggest for Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame? It suggests that the one thing you cannot allow Ohio State to do is get the ball to their playmakers,” Klatt noted. This includes star receivers like Emeka Egbuka, Jeremiah Smith, and Carnell Tate, as well as their running backs.
Klatt emphasizes the importance of preventing Ohio State from establishing an early rhythm. “You can’t allow them to throw the ball early in rhythm, because when they do that, it’s a Tennessee game, it’s an Oregon game. You don’t want that type of track meet,” he cautioned. Instead, Notre Dame should aim for a game reminiscent of their contests against Nebraska or Michigan, where the score remains low and the pressure mounts on Ohio State.
Surviving the Early Rounds
Another critical aspect of Notre Dame’s game plan is surviving the first quarter. Klatt insists that it’s imperative for the Irish to withstand Ohio State’s initial onslaught. “Like Texas, Notre Dame must survive the first quarter,” he stated. By forcing Ohio State into a more physical running game, they can shift the advantage back to themselves.
“If they can prove they’re the tougher team, that’s when Notre Dame can take control,” Klatt added. This strategy hinges on their ability to muddy the game and turn it into a defensive struggle, where their veterans can shine and their experience can make a difference.
Final Thoughts on the Championship Clash
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, the stakes couldn’t be higher for both teams. Notre Dame faces a formidable challenge against a powerhouse like Ohio State, but with the right game plan, they can create a path to victory. The Fighting Irish will need to harness their defensive strength, control the tempo, and capitalize on any opportunities that arise.
Will Notre Dame rise to the occasion and pull off the upset? Or will Ohio State continue their dominant run through the playoffs? One thing is for sure: college football fans are in for a thrilling championship game that promises excitement, drama, and the spirit of competition that defines this sport. As we gear up for Monday night, all eyes will be on the field, where legends can be made and dreams can come true.
