September 3, 2022. Notre Dame at Ohio State. No. 5 at No. 2 (Coaches Poll). This will be a game for the ages. The best way to start a season that is promising to be remarkable. As we get closer the hype will grow. And rightfully so.
The hype is already in a slow burn that will increase in intensity as we get closer to kickoff. We have coaches polls, coaches’ comments, and thrilling updates and news from camp. What more can a football fan ask for?
This game is huge. It will set up a great run for one team, and be extremely painful for the other. As we get closer we can expect to see more stories and reports with predictions. More people will weigh in on who they think will leave The Shoe victorious.
But if I may, I would like to throw into the mix why I think the Buckeyes will not only win, but win decisively.
It’s A Home Game For Ohio State
First and foremost, the Buckeyes will be at home. Imagine walking into Ohio Stadium on opening night. The Shoe will be rocking with thousands for crazed fans who have waited far too long to see their Bucks back on the field. And facing a top 5 opponent no less. Not to mention this season is bringing huge expectations. All of the excitement surrounding this team will be coming to a head.
For the Irish this is going to be insanely intimidating. It doesn’t matter how prepared they are, there is nothing like actually being there in the moment.
Will the Irish make plays? Sure. Will they focus on their game? No doubt. But maintaining that focus in such an intimidating atmosphere is tough. It will knock them off their game, and when the Bucks make plays it will get even crazier. Personally I don’t envy them at all.
Ohio State / Notre Dame Will Be A Battle Of Proven and Unproven Coaches
Marcus Freeman
I know Irish fans may jump to Head Coach Marcus Freeman’s defense, but let’s look at the facts. While Freeman has been a linebackers coach and a combination defensive coordinator/linebackers coach, this is his first season ever as a head coach. His one game behind the helm was last year’s Fiesta Bowl loss to Oklahoma State. While he has strong players on both sides of the ball and several years as an assistant coach, there is always a learning curve as the big boss. Ideally that learning curve would take a more traditional route of facing lower ranked teams to start. But facing a juggernaut in Ohio State is anything but ideal.
Showing a little carelessness with the press also belies his inexperience. Every Bucks fan is well aware of his missteps. Though he may have been “misquoted” on his comments, it is rather foolish for a coach to open that door in the first place. If you want to make comments regarding how unique, special, or prestigious your school is, that’s fine. But keep your comments towards your own program. Trying to make the case by pointing to other programs, even in a general sense, is only going to set you up for the backlash that he experienced.
Ryan Day
Ohio State Head Coach Ryan Day on the other hand has proven himself immensely. In his three full seasons as head coach he is 31-4. He has coached in several big games and has lead this program to the level that it is today. The football program at Ohio State is one of the best in the business and is well known for how efficient and impactful it is for the players. It’s safe to say that there is a confidence among Buckeye fans in their coach that does not exist at Notre Dame. And it is a confidence that is grounded in reality.
The Buckeyes’ Offense Will Be Better Than Notre Dame’s
So much has been said about the Buckeyes’ offense lately. But what about the Irish?
The Offense of the Fighting Irish
The Irish have not yet settled on their quarterback, though it appears that Tyler Buchner will earn the start. While he played well last season behind QB Jack Coan, the pressure will be on as the starter. Although Buchner is very talented and should develop into a great player, like his coach there is no time here for the learning curve. He is going to have to be great from the first snap.
The offensive line is where they truly compete with the Buckeyes. The return of O-line assistant coach Harry Hiestand, coupled with the return of all five starters from last season, bodes well for them. Led by center Jarrett Patterson they will be a force to be reckoned with.
The backfield however has room for improvement. As a result they may be forced to rely heavily on the passing game with a receiving core that also leaves a lot to be desired. While the receivers may still stack up well against lesser teams, Ohio State is not one of them.
Ohio State’s Offense Is Downright Scary
The Buckeyes however are coming off a season where they rolled over opposing defences. I agree with Coach Day when he said “Our offense hasn’t done anything. We gotta go prove ourselves. That doesn’t just happen.” But at the same time this offense is primed to be even better than last year’s, and we all know it.
C.J. Stroud has consistently improved with each game, which is scary for opposing teams. If he takes yet another leap he can easily become the top quarterback in the nation.
The offensive line is set to be much improved with the return of OT Dawand Jones and with OT Paris Johnson Jr moving to his natural position at right tackle, as well as the development of the rest of the line. The receivers have shown elite ability and are turning heads in camp. In fact they may well prove to be the best receiving core in the nation.
Ohio State’s D Will Be A Surprise
The Irish have a great defense that is looking to improve even more under new Defensive Coordinator Al Golden. Their D-line and secondary have been noted to be among the best in college football.
However, facing top defenses has not slowed C.J Stroud and the Buckeyes offense down much. This defensive unit’s first game against what should prove to be the best offense of 2022 will be good for their growth, but it will also surprise them just how good Ohio State’s offense is.
The Bucks also have a new defensive coordinator in Jim Knowles. Knowles, who has established himself as a top DC in his years at Duke and Oklahoma State, inherited a defense that underachieved in 2021. Most of last year’s defensive players are returning, and there’s been some talk about how there is not a lot of expectation for these same players to suddenly turn it around. But we’re only a week into camp and hearing just the opposite. Knowles is notably pleased with the progress of his players as he continues to push them.
Though Knowles isn’t satisfied, as a good coach never is, he has subtly communicated that these players are really progressing well and coming into their own. Couple that with the fact that these players are hungry, and, as Knowles mentioned in Wednesday’s press conference, they are fed up with being pointed at as the problem. You are looking at a very motivated group. Expect this defense to come out firing on all cylinders to prove themselves from day one.
Ohio State / Notre Dame: The Buckeyes Are On A Mission
“I feel like we haven’t really won anything, so we’re hungry…” wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba
If you don’t think last season’s “failure” is enough to further motivate Ohio State then you are badly mistaken.
Talk amongst the players is that last season wasn’t nearly good enough.
The 2022 Buckeyes have growing, elite talent and one of the best groups of coaches in the country. Now add to the mix the team’s drive to be No. 1 in both offense and defense this season.
As good as the offense was last year, they want to be better.
The defense has something to prove, with their DC setting the standard for them to be a top five defense. And they have a rather large chip on their shoulder, which could translate to a level of play that surprises even their coaches.
If you are around this team long enough you can just feel the hunger that is in this locker room.
Notre Dame may very well be a victim rather than an opponent. Of course, we’ll have to see how this shakes out on the field. But you have to get feeling the Irish won’t know what hit them.
Ohio State / Notre Dame. This is going to be ugly.