Got baited into the exact same game”: Joel Klatt recalls last time Notre Dame played Ohio State before Natty clash
The No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish are set to face the No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday, and an analyst believes the Fighting Irish may have a defensive strategy to secure a victory.
The last meeting between the two teams occurred on September 23, 2023. In that game, Notre Dame’s defense kept the contest close, holding a 14-10 lead with less than 15 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. However, Ohio State managed a late rally, with running back Chip Trayanum scoring a 1-yard touchdown, followed by a successful extra point, to clinch a 17-14 victory.
Despite the loss, the analyst suggests that Notre Dame’s performance in that game could serve as a foundation for their strategy in the championship. The analyst highlighted Notre Dame’s reliance on man coverage on defense as a potential advantage. While man-to-man defense is challenging against Ohio State’s potent offense, the Fighting Irish have a tactical approach that could limit their opponent’s success.
The analyst noted that teams like Nebraska and Michigan previously employed similar defensive schemes against Ohio State, which resulted in low-scoring games. He explained that these teams baited Ohio State into predictable play-calling, particularly running the ball on first downs due to favorable defensive alignments. This approach allowed the defenses to play man coverage with added support from safeties, effectively neutralizing key offensive threats.
For Notre Dame, the strategy involves rolling their safeties in a way that creates two free defenders. One would focus on covering standout receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., while the other would act as a free player to disrupt plays underneath. This alignment could force Ohio State into uncomfortable situations, limiting their ability to exploit big plays.
Additionally, the analyst emphasized the importance of Notre Dame succeeding on first downs to increase their chances of victory. He argued that if Notre Dame fails to perform well on first downs, they are unlikely to score more than 14 to 17 points against Ohio State’s elite defense. He pointed out that Notre Dame’s offensive production in the playoffs has been modest, making their execution on early downs crucial to staying competitive in the game.
Ohio State’s defense, one of the strongest in college football this season, could present significant challenges for Notre Dame’s offense. The pressure to excel on first downs and execute efficiently will be critical for the Fighting Irish as they attempt to overcome the Buckeyes and claim the championship.
