As the Ohio State Buckeyes prepare to face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the College Football Playoff National Championship on January 20, 2025, executing specific strategies will be crucial for securing victory. Here are five key areas where Ohio State must excel:
1. Establish the Run Game
Ohio State’s dynamic backfield, featuring TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, needs to effectively establish the run to control the game’s tempo and open up play-action opportunities. Notre Dame’s defense has shown vulnerability against potent rushing attacks, making this a critical focus.
2. Protect Will Howard
Quarterback Will Howard has been instrumental in Ohio State’s offensive success. Ensuring robust pass protection against Notre Dame’s aggressive, blitz-heavy defense will be essential to allow Howard to make precise throws and avoid turnovers.
3. Contain Riley Leonard
Notre Dame’s quarterback, Riley Leonard, poses a dual-threat challenge. Ohio State’s defense must maintain discipline to contain Leonard’s scrambling ability and limit his impact on designed runs, forcing him to rely more on passing under pressure.
4. Win the Turnover Battle
Creating turnovers can shift momentum significantly. Ohio State’s defense should focus on pressuring Leonard into making mistakes, while the offense must prioritize ball security to prevent giving Notre Dame additional scoring opportunities.
5. Excel in Special Teams
Special teams can be a game-changer in tightly contested matchups. Ohio State must ensure solid performances in kick coverage, return units, and field goal accuracy to gain advantageous field positions and capitalize on scoring chances.
By focusing on these areas, the Buckeyes can enhance their chances of overcoming Notre Dame and clinching the national title.