NCAAF · 9 months ago

5 Ways Ohio State Will Dominate Notre Dame in the Championship Game

Jake Burkey

Host · Writer

5. Buckeyes Offensive/Defensive Play-Calling
Whatever conversation happened after the Michigan loss in November lit a fire inside these two guys. Chip Kelly has been terrific in his play calling for the Buckeyes in the playoffs, as he’s truly picked the right plays for star receiver Jeremiah Smith. On the defensive side, Jim Knowles has been exceptional, displaying his hybrid defensive strategy by lining up Caleb Downs at safety, cornerback, or linebacker. He doesn't always have a defensive assignment, but he has the vision to put himself in a good position.

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1. The Buckeyes are a Team of Destiny
The Ohio State Buckeyes are a team of destiny this year. Since their emotional loss to Michigan at home on November 30, the Buckeyes have wiped the floor against Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas. They now find themselves only one win away from a national championship. This remarkable run can be credited to their locker room culture and a "proving the doubters wrong" mindset. I don’t think that changes in this game.

Spread: Ohio State -8.5 | Moneyline: Ohio State -375 | Total: 46.5
2. Jeremiah Smith
Luckily for the Buckeyes, they are the only team that has Jeremiah Smith. This matchup against Notre Dame is one where he can shine. Texas did an excellent job covering Smith and limiting him in the Cotton Bowl, but I'm unsure that strategy works here. If the Irish throw double coverage against Smith, the doors will open for guys like Emeka Egbuka, Carnell Tate, and TreVeyon Henderson to put up big numbers, as they did against Texas.

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3. The Buckeye Defense is Too Strong for the Irish
Ohio State’s defense has been incredible all season, especially in the red zone. We saw how the Buckeyes defensive front stood tall in those final moments of the Cotton Bowl before Jack Sawyer stripped, scooped, and scored in what will be remembered as one of the most electric plays in Ohio State history. I’d expect that same defense to be fired up for this one and complete the mission against Notre Dame.

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4. Ohio State's Running Back Duo
TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins are as elite as it gets in a college football running back room. These guys have been tremendous, whether it's Henderson's huge gains on the ground or Judkins punching it in the endzone; they both know their roles and will be relied upon again in a big way against Notre Dame.

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5. Buckeyes Offensive/Defensive Play-Calling
Whatever conversation happened after the Michigan loss in November lit a fire inside these two guys. Chip Kelly has been terrific in his play calling for the Buckeyes in the playoffs, as he’s truly picked the right plays for star receiver Jeremiah Smith. On the defensive side, Jim Knowles has been exceptional, displaying his hybrid defensive strategy by lining up Caleb Downs at safety, cornerback, or linebacker. He doesn't always have a defensive assignment, but he has the vision to put himself in a good position.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
1. The Buckeyes are a Team of Destiny
The Ohio State Buckeyes are a team of destiny this year. Since their emotional loss to Michigan at home on November 30, the Buckeyes have wiped the floor against Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas. They now find themselves only one win away from a national championship. This remarkable run can be credited to their locker room culture and a "proving the doubters wrong" mindset. I don’t think that changes in this game.

Spread: Ohio State -8.5 | Moneyline: Ohio State -375 | Total: 46.5

5 Ways Ohio State Will Dominate Notre Dame in the Championship Game

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