The College Football Playoff National Championship game between Ohio State and Notre Dame initially listed the Buckeyes as 10-point favorites.
However, the spread has tightened by two points, indicating a potentially more competitive showdown in Atlanta this Monday. The outcome could hinge on several key matchups, with three standing out as particularly impactful.
Ohio State’s Receivers Against Notre Dame’s Secondary
Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate offered some insight into Ohio State’s approach for the game, pointing to Notre Dame’s tendency to rely heavily on man-to-man coverage.
“We’re going to assume they do the same in this game,” Tate explained, referencing the Fighting Irish’s consistent use of one-high safety man coverage throughout the season. Notre Dame, which ranks ninth nationally in total defense by allowing just 298.3 yards per game, has seen success with this approach under coordinator Al Golden.
Despite this, few teams attempt man coverage against Ohio State’s formidable receiving corps, which features Tate, Jeremiah Smith, and Emeka Egbuka. However, Notre Dame’s defense remains undeterred.
Freshman cornerback Leonard Moore emphasized their commitment to the strategy: “We’re going to play man coverage like we do every week. We’re going to go out there and challenge their receivers.”
Cody Simon Tasked with Containing Riley Leonard
Ohio State’s defense has faced mobile quarterbacks before, including Dillon Gabriel of Oregon and Tennessee’s Nico Iamaleava.
However, Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard presents a unique challenge with his dual-threat capabilities, combining designed runs with his ability to extend passing plays.
Leonard’s 158 carries this season place him sixth nationally among non-running backs, highlighting his integral role in Notre Dame’s offense.
Linebacker Sonny Styles acknowledged Leonard’s impact in critical moments: “He’s a huge part of that will to just get it done… They give him the ball on fourth-and-short or third-and-medium situations.
He’s their guy.” To counter Leonard’s mobility, linebacker Cody Simon will likely take on the responsibility of shadowing the quarterback throughout the game.
Mike Denbrock’s Offense vs. Jim Knowles’ Defense
Notre Dame’s offensive identity is rooted in its ground game, ranking 14th nationally with an average of 210.8 rushing yards per game.
Running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price have spearheaded this effort, combining for nearly 2,000 yards on the ground this season.
Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles recognizes this, expecting a run-heavy approach from the Fighting Irish on Monday.
While it’s unlikely Notre Dame will switch Leonard into a pure pocket-passing role, offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock may look to incorporate trick plays to capitalize on Ohio State’s focus on stopping the run.
A well-timed play-action or misdirection could prove pivotal in testing the Buckeyes’ defensive discipline.
