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Game Thread For the Natty vs Notre Dame, Jan. 20th, 7:30 ET on ESPN

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1926Buckeyes said:
I’m interested to see the film breakdowns for Texas to see if the offensive game plan was mid or Texas forced them into things they weren’t great at doing.

Early in the game they moved the ball well, but the execution wasn't quite there. As the game went on, they couldn’t run and force Texas into different looks and everything stagnated.

They’re better than they were, but running without the benefit of the passing game opening things is the weakness of this team. Hoping that ND can’t run a zone as well and Chip has different ways to attack.

I also hope they work in more screens to Henderson and WRs. Keep waiting for the tunnel screens they used in the first 3 games to come back. Especially since Henderson lines up wide.
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I'd also like to see them run more motion with J.Smith that would include him running reverses or receiving quick throws out of reverse motion. Anything to get him the ball immediately after the snap.
 
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Jaxbuck said:
The fun part is Knowles has more than one guy at his disposal that can be that spy so he doesn't have to be predictable with it.
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The way Ranson arrives with bad intent I wouldn't mind him being the spy occasionally. He's already sent 2 RBs to the sideline in the playoffs. Why not a QB? In the vernacular of McAfee's crew, time for Leonard to get RAM TRUCKED.
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youra6 said:
Gonna predict this right now. This will be the most viewed national championship game ever in the history of the sport.

All the better when tens of millions get to see ND get absolutely eviscerated.
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Agreed, two of the biggest alumni bases in the nation and lots of outside interest with the history of these two teams. Outside of the SEC, nobody wanted an SEC team in the game and especially not a Bama vs UGA type of matchup.
ScriptOhio said:
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Just sayin': There's always room at the Woody hayes Athletic Center for one more. Bring it home boys.

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I haven't been back to the WHAC in quite some time, the trophy room renovations look incredible! Next time I am back, no doubt I am stopping by after my regular Buckeye Donuts run. It was pretty awesome the last time I was there, but that was over 10 years ago and this is so much sweeter. Adding another Natty trophy would be amazing. I always loved going through the WHAC and Buckeye Grove, could spend a day in Columbus only doing that and remembering the greats of the past.
Jaxbuck said:
So haven't watched a ton of the Domers this year but I don't think they have the athletes in the secondary to do what Texas did. I think they have to try, but I don't think they can do it near as well.

Offensively, well, this isn't the best one OSU has faced. Not by a long shot.

They have their own little redemption and revenge narrative going though so you do have to be mindful of that.

All in all, they are a heavy underdog for a reason. A lot more will have to go right for them than it does for OSU to win.
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I haven't watched a ton of ND this year (they seemed to be on when we played almost every week), but I do think they rely on scheme more than better athletes at the skilled positions. If they try to go man on Smith/Egbuka, that ain't going to work...but Freeman is smart enough to not do that imo. If he goes for that out of pride, it would be as idiotic as running it up the middle against ttun every play.

On offense for ND, the WRs are probably the weakest we have faced in the CFP. So taking out the run (both QB/RB, they are admittedly good in that area) is key. I would expect a lot of designed pass plays to the RBs and TEs as well. For whatever reason, I think Styles explodes in this game at LB and spies Leonard frequently (although any of Simon/Downs/Ransom can do it as well and we can get creative). We can run man comfortably in the secondary and try to key on the LOS.

But Freeman against his alma mater and the desire to win cannot be understated, plus they are a solid team without a doubt. Only thing is that our team also wants it really bad and will do everything to win this game. I like us by a two score margin by the end of the game...I can see us absolutely boat racing them like Oregon or Tennessee, but there are enough equalizing factors to keep it close.
 
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Just my .02 for this one....

1. Notre Dame's defense can be had. The only really competent offense they faced this year was USC, and USC threw it for 360 and ran it for 197. Ohio State has the pieces to replicate both numbers. Add in the mileage and injuries on the Notre Dame side, and without researching if they had everyone then against USC or not, but it appears there's a distinct advantage to Ohio State here to spread it out and go.

2. Offensively, you have to force Leonard to pass. Notre Dame does NOT have the athletes on the outside to threaten Ohio State vertically, at least with any consistency. Simon, Styles and the D-line will need to be gap sound against the run and force them into 3rd and long.

3. Special teams for Notre Dame is a bit of a mystery. Their FG kicker was hurt at some point this year so the stats there are a bit misleading I think. While I don't see this game coming down to a battle of special teams, if it does, again, there's a distinct advantage for Ohio State in this area even with the FG struggles.

Maybe as we get closer to next Monday I'll have a bit better of an idea. Right now I'm thinking Ohio State wins this one and it looks similar to the game against Oregon in the Natty game in 2014. I'm going with 45-20 as a final score prediction and it's all but over in the first half.
 
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If both Rocco (Questionable) and their starting LT are out, it could be a very long day for the ND OL. As it is now, if Rocco plays, it is doubtful that he will be full go. Facing Tyliek with one bad wheel could be dangerous to ones health. If the Silver Bullets stop the run (they are averaging giving up 2 ypc in the CFP) this contest will not be close and likely a blow out.
 
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Mike80 said:
Freeman confirms their starting LT is out for the game.

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With Knapp out at LT and potentially not having Spindler, our DL could have a feast. Others could step up like we have when we lost Simmons and McGlaughlin, but that is tough to do against a very good defensive front...I know there is more time to do so by the 20th, but I can't imagine the new LT being too pumped to see JT and Sawyer coming at him left and right.
 
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RB07OSU said:
With Knapp out at LT and potentially not having Spindler, our DL could have a feast. Others could step up like we have when we lost Simmons and McGlaughlin, but that is tough to do against a very good defensive front...I know there is more time to do so by the 20th, but I can't imagine the new LT being too pumped to see JT and Sawyer coming at him left and right.
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Not sure notre damn is going to sit back there and chunk it anyways (minus the injuries). This is heavy running scheme coming our way (heavy qb sneak). Bucks will be fine as long as they don’t go TSUN and try to fight them in a phone booth.
 
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