Notre Dame starter sends firm message to Ohio State ahead of the National Championship
Ohio State is one win away from accomplishing its big goal of winning a National Championship. A decade since their last title win, the Buckeyes have Notre Dame standing in front of them to reach that feat. The Buckeyes have been the most impressive team in the College Football Playoff. Ohio State has clicked on […]
Ohio State is one win away from accomplishing its big goal of winning a National Championship. A decade since their last title win, the Buckeyes have Notre Dame standing in front of them to reach that feat.
The Buckeyes have been the most impressive team in the College Football Playoff. Ohio State has clicked on all cylinders in wins over Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas.
Ohio State’s defense held Tennessee and Texas under 20 points and the Ducks scored just 21 points against the Buckeyes. During their three-game run, Ohio State has scored 42, 41, and 28 points.
The downfield passing attack has been on display and a big part of the success of the Buckeyes. Notre Dame offers another very talented defense to go up against and one starter is already saying what the Fighting Irish are going to do.
“Going into this game we’re not going to change who we are,” Notre Dame freshman cornerback Leonard Moore said Wednesday. “We’re going to play man coverage like we do every week. We’re going to go out there and challenge their receivers.”
Ohio State’s star freshman Jeremiah Smith has four touchdowns in the CFP game and they came in the first two matchups. Texas held Smith in check, but that opened the door for Carnell Tate to lead the way with seven catches for 87 yards. Ohio State has a well-balanced offense but they find slightly more success through the air with 265 passing yards per game.
Not going to a zone against Ohio State will be interesting, as not many teams try to match up in man coverage against the Buckeyes. Notre Dame allows just 165 yards per game passing and they have a talented secondary featuring future NFL talent like Xavier Watts and Moore. Notre Dame would be even more dangerous if they didn’t lose Benjamin Morrison for the season.
Ohio State has the NFL talent with Smith, Tate, and Emeka Egbuka to give any secondary in college football problems. QB Will Howard is playing the best ball of his life and the Buckeyes feel great about him finishing the job.
We will see if Notre Dame holds firm to playing man coverage mostly against the Buckeyes. If they do, the Buckeyes just have to find success doing what they have been as of late.
