As Ohio State gears up for a crucial matchup in pursuit of its first national title in a decade, the Buckeyes are facing a formidable opponent in Notre Dame. The Irish have bounced back impressively after a Week 2 loss, stringing together 13 consecutive victories. However, this Notre Dame squad isn’t without its vulnerabilities. Here, we delve into three key areas where Ohio State can exploit the Irish’s weaknesses to secure a victory.
Exploring Notre Dame’s vulnerabilities
1. A lack of big-time passing plays
One of the most glaring issues for Notre Dame this season has been its inability to generate explosive passing plays. Remarkably, the Irish do not have a single receiver who has surpassed 500 receiving yards. To put this into perspective, they have only managed 32 passes of 20 yards or more, which ranks a dismal 104th in FBS football. In stark contrast, Ohio State boasts an impressive 54 such passes.
This lack of home-run opportunities in the passing game could spell trouble for Notre Dame. When faced with a tough Ohio State defense, the Irish may find themselves forced to grind out drives, relying heavily on their ground game. However, without the ability to stretch the field vertically, they risk becoming predictable and stagnant, making it easier for the Buckeyes to stifle their offensive efforts.
2. Field goal kicking woes
Another significant weakness for Notre Dame lies in its kicking game. Despite a last-second field goal that propelled them past Penn State in the College Football Playoff semifinals, the reality is that the Irish have struggled immensely in this department. With a conversion rate of just 15 for 26 on field goals this season, Notre Dame ranks 128th out of 134 FBS teams.
Starter Mitch Jeter has missed seven field goals this year, including two crucial attempts in their loss to Northern Illinois. His performance on kicks between 20 and 39 yards has been particularly troubling, with only three successful attempts out of six. This inconsistency in the kicking game presents a golden opportunity for Ohio State to capitalize, especially in a high-stakes matchup where every point counts.
3. Diminishing rushing returns
Notre Dame’s ground game, once a hallmark of its offensive identity, has seen a steady decline as the season has progressed. Whether due to tougher competition or injuries—such as the health of standout running back Jeremiyah Love—the Irish have struggled to maintain their rushing effectiveness. Since the final week of the regular season, Notre Dame’s rushing yards have plummeted from 258 to just 117 in their most recent outings.
The statistics tell a concerning story: rushing yards per game have dropped from 6.8 to a mere 2.8, while the overall rushing yardage has decreased significantly. In the two games that Ohio State lost this season, opponents successfully rushed for over 153 yards and averaged more than four yards per carry. This trend is not favorable for Notre Dame as they prepare to face a Buckeyes defense that will be looking to exploit this weakness.
Ohio State’s path to victory
With these vulnerabilities in mind, Ohio State must focus on executing its game plan effectively. The Buckeyes have the offensive firepower to exploit Notre Dame’s lack of explosive plays and inconsistent kicking. By applying pressure on the Irish’s passing game and forcing them into predictable situations, Ohio State can dictate the tempo of the game.
Additionally, the Buckeyes’ own offensive capabilities cannot be underestimated. With a dynamic receiving corps and a potent rushing attack, Ohio State has the tools to keep Notre Dame on its heels. If the Buckeyes can establish their running game early and take advantage of any mistakes made by the Irish, they will position themselves well for a national title win.
As the anticipation builds for this clash, fans are left wondering: Can Ohio State capitalize on Notre Dame’s weaknesses? Will the Buckeyes’ offense find a way to break through the Irish defense? The stage is set for an exhilarating showdown, and the outcome could very well hinge on how effectively Ohio State can exploit Notre Dame’s vulnerabilities.
What do you think about Ohio State’s chances against the Irish? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
