5 Keys to a Notre Dame Shocking Upset Over the Ohio State Buckeyes

5. Get Pressure on Will Howard

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Will Howard has had too much time in the pocket with the ball in these playoff games, allowing his receivers to get open and the OSU offense to make some huge plays down the field. If the Irish want to be victorious and take home the National Championship, they’ll need to get by that offensive line, put pressure on Howard, and force him to get rid of the ball before he wants. Or better yet, sack the senior for a loss so the Buckeyes are behind the chains.

2. Riley Leonard Displays His Dual Threat Ability

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Riley Leonard will be up against a different animal with Ohio State’s defense, and they will undoubtedly be ready for Leonard to use his legs to move the chains. He will need to survey what’s available, and if nothing is open, he will use his legs to get first downs and help route his team to an early lead, and keep OSU's explosive offense off the field.

3. Strong Showing From Xavier Watts and Irish Secondary

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Xavier Watts will most certainly be playing on Sundays shortly, but before that, he needs to leave his legacy all out on the field of Mercedes Benz Stadium on Monday. Suppose Watts and the Irish secondary can limit Jeremiah Smith, as Texas did, and prevent guys like Emeka Egbuka and Carnell Tate from making explosive plays. In that case, there is a promising path to an Irish victory.

4. Limit Buckeyes Explosive Plays Downfield

Spread: Ohio State -8.5 | Moneyline: OSU -375 | ND +290 | Total: 45.5

Like point three, the Irish defense must come out ready for an all-out war. This Ohio State offense is at its best when throwing downfield to its playmakers, and Notre Dame will need to find a way early to shut that game script down and force the Buckeyes to run the ball.

5. Get Pressure on Will Howard

Tackle the Odds with SportsGrid’s Expert CFB Game Picks and Player Prop Picks for the Natty.

Will Howard has had too much time in the pocket with the ball in these playoff games, allowing his receivers to get open and the OSU offense to make some huge plays down the field. If the Irish want to be victorious and take home the National Championship, they’ll need to get by that offensive line, put pressure on Howard, and force him to get rid of the ball before he wants. Or better yet, sack the senior for a loss so the Buckeyes are behind the chains.