Historic Matchup Takes Place In Atlanta
On Monday night, College Football will crown a new champion when Ohio State and Notre Dame collide against each other to crown a National Champion. Both programs enter this game coming from different paths. As we break each program down, let’s go ahead and preview the game between Ohio State and Notre Dame.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
It is often said that in order to achieve something great. You have to experience some sort of adversity. That can be applied to Notre Dame this season. Early on in the season, the Fighting Irish dropped a home game against Northern Illinois. Since then, the Irish have won ten straight games and found themselves in the thick of the College Football Playoff picture. In the first round, Notre Dame took care of business against the Indiana Hoosiers, defeating the Hoosiers 27-17. Next, even though Georgia and Notre Dame had to wait an extra day. The Fighting Irish were able to defeat the Georgia Bulldogs 23-10 in the Sugar Bowl. Finally, in an instant classic, Notre Dame took down Penn State, 27-24 in the Orange Bowl.
Moreover, the Fighting Irish made a name for themselves this year with a consistent defense. Defensive Coordinator Al Golden has utilized the Irish personnel to their advantage and what the defense until has been able to accomplish under his tutelage. In fact, the Irish rank No. 9 in the country in total defense allowing 4.6 yards per play, 26 touchdowns, and 298.3 yards per game. Lastly, when it comes to scoring defense, the Irish rank No. 2 in the country allowing 14.27 points per game.
Ohio State Buckeyes
The Buckeyes enter this game 13-2 overall and 7-2 in Big Ten Conference play. On the other hand, Ohio State might be the most tested team in this championship game. Ohio State faced both Oregon and Penn State in the regular season. What’s more impressive about that is both games were on the road. First, Ohio State went tow-to-toe with the No. 1 Oregon Ducks on the road and lost in the final quarter by the thinnest of margins, 32-31. Besides that, Ohio State traveled to State College to face Penn State and won that game, 20-13. Ryan Day has this team battle tested to the fullest which should come into play during the game. However, the Buckeyes did suffer a blow in the last game of the season losing to Michigan at home, 13-10. It’s worth pointing out that Ohio State was a 20 plus point favorite in that game.
On the other hand, the Buckeyes path to the College Football Playoff national championship didn’t come easy. In fact, they faced the Tennessee Volunteers at home in the first round of the playoffs. Second, Ohio State was able to get their revenge against the Ducks in the Rose Bowl with a 41-21 victory. Lastly, in the semifinals, the Buckeyes took down Texas in the Cotton Bowl Classic, 28-14. In that game, quarterback Will Howard 24/33 for 289 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. The Buckeyes have many players they can go to in many different packages. Jeremiah Smith has demonstrated he will be a receiver to keep your eye on in the coming years. Emeka Egbuka is a well-seasoned receiver who is a go-to option. TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins have been dangerous in the backfield.
The Depth Ohio State has can cause for real problems if the Buckeyes can get favorable matchups. Likewise, Ohio State’s defense is also very consistent and dangerous. Ohio State is ranked No.3 in the country in rushing defense allowing 2.68 yards per rush, 12 rushing touchdowns, and 89.9 yards per game. Similarly, the Buckeyes rank No. 1 in total defense allowing 4.12 yards per play, and 251.1 yards per game.
Ohio State Notre Dame All-Time Series
Both programs have met eight times with the overall series in favor of Ohio State 6-2. Both programs recently completed a home-and-home series where the Buckeyes won both games, 21-10 and 17-14 respectively. The first game was played in Columbus and the latter game was played in South Bend, Indiana. These programs are no stranger to each other. When they play each other, it’s an instant classic.
Odds And Kickoff
Right now, Ohio State is favored by 8.5 points with and over/under at 45.5 points. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN. Kickoff is set for 7:45 pm from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. On top of that, whichever coach wins this game tonight, will be the first time they win a national championship as a head coach.
