Deep diving Notre Dame vs Ohio State
What did Ohio State's last second victory over Notre Dame tell us about the championship fitness of these two programs in 2023?
The obvious and fun conversations to have after Ohio State vs Notre Dame centered around two features to the game. First, Notre Dame’s disastrous goal line defense where they allowed Ohio State to win the game against only 10 Irish defenders.
Secondly, Ryan Day’s post game clap back against Lou Holtz for suggesting Notre Dame could win the game by following a proven formula of being more physical than the Buckeyes.
But this game was always going to be most interesting for what it said about two particular features to these teams. The Notre Dame skill talent, which Marcus Freeman needed to upgrade to allow the Irish size and physicality in the trenches to matter in games like this, and the Buckeyes ability to win big boy battles with other top programs in the trenches.
What did this game’s results tell us about those factors? Is Notre Dame there at the skill positions? Can Ohio State hold up in the trenches against teams like Michigan or Georgia in the games with Championship stakes?
Let’s consult the film…
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