As you may know, Ohio State is traveling to South Bend, Indiana to take on Notre Dame in a top-10 showdown.
As we prepare our bodies and minds for the game, here’s a little taste of how this game could play out, beginning with what should scare you about this matchup for the nihilists among us, followed by what should give you hope, for our optimists.
WHAT COULD GO WRONG?
- NO FUN IN THE TRENCHES
Notre Dame’s offensive line is by far the best line Ohio State has faced so far this season, particularly in terms of run blocking. This isn’t really great news for the Buckeyes, because for as good as the defense has been across the board, it hasn’t necessarily been dominant against the run, ranking 108th in the nation in run stuff rate after playing Indiana, Youngstown State, and Western Kentucky.
The Irish’s clearest path to victory is leaning on this offensive line, led by All-American left tackle Joe Alt, and riding star running back Audric Estime into chunk plays and owning the time-of-possession battle. This could set up play-action for Sam Hartman and open up the Notre Dame passing attack if Ohio State has to stop the run.
- CHAOS!
Ohio State’s offensive line played a fantastic game against Western Kentucky, providing proof that it *is* possible for this line to play well. But after what we saw against Indiana and Youngstown State at times, there’s reason to be a little bit nervous about a road matchup against a solid defensive line – especially if Notre Dame decides to blitz a young quarterback and shaky offensive line.
As if this isn’t enough of a concern, this is also by far the best secondary that Ohio State has faced so far this season.
If the defense can get pressure on a first-year starter playing the biggest game of his career on the road, it could force him into mistakes – as we saw against Indiana with his interception and Western Kentucky with his fumble.
It’s worth noting that Notre Dame doesn’t even have to get consistent pressure or even consistent success slowing down the Ohio State receivers in the secondary for this to make an impact on the game. If they could force a couple of turnovers or make some key stops on key downs, that could be enough to make a difference in the game.
WHAT COULD GO RIGHT?
- THE OFFENSE DOES ITS THING
For as much as this offense has sputtered and declined to operate with any efficiency in the first two games, the Buckeyes reminded everyone who they were last week when they shat out 35 points in a quarter including four touchdowns on just nine plays.
At its best, this is an offense that can absolutely bury any team in a barrage of points at any given moment and can score from anywhere on the field about a dozen different ways – and it doesn’t even always need an incredible offensive line to make it happen.
A team like Notre Dame is going to need to take a much more patient approach on offense and establish the run. So if Ohio State can stack a few explosive plays that lead to quick points, that’s not something Notre Dame’s really built to hang with, even with their shiny new toy at quarterback.
- THE SECONDARY IS AS ADVERTISED
So far this season, Ohio State’s defense – the secondary, in particular – has looked the best it’s looked in years with a crop of defensive backs it feels like the team can trust in coverage. And they proved themselves last week against one of the most aggressive passing attacks in the entire country and the best passing quarterback they’ll face all season.
If Ohio State can either shut down the run and get Notre Dame off schedule or score enough points on offense that the Irish have to dig themselves out of a hole, this secondary should have no problem handling Sam Hartman and this Notre Dame passing attack.
Simply put, if Ohio State forces Notre Dame to throw the ball – ideally, without having to load the box the way they did against Michigan last year – then the Buckeyes win this game.