Irish Breakdown takes a look at some of the key matchups in the Notre Dame vs Ohio State national championship game. Sean Stires and Jesse Stires discuss their top keys for the Irish against the Buckeyes and take a look at how the Irish could have success running the ball as well as how they could defend OSU receiver Jeremiah Smith.

OSU’s devastating offense ranks Top 10 on each side of the ball in success rate, EPA/play and marginal efficiency. The main areas of weakness on offense are the Ohio State O-line’s ability to handle extra rushers, ranking 78th with a 9.2% blitz down sack rate, and a somewhat elevated 10.2% blown run block rate that checks in at 94th nationally.

Football is more interesting when the Cowboys are good. Basketball is more interesting when the Celtics, Lakers and Knicks are good. And college football is more interesting — much, much more interesting — when Notre Dame is good. And even more so when the Fighting are very, very good.

Ohio State is fully capable of making Notre Dame pay for its mistakes, but it doesn’t force nearly as many turnovers and commits more on offense as well. The Buckeyes are tied for 54th in the FBS in takeaways (19) and rank 44th in turnover margin (plus-four), which bodes well for the Irish.

The Ohio State Buckeyes have had a fascinating 2024-25 season. Picked as one of the best teams in the country, with a roster that ranked as the most talented in the entire sport, they found themselves the object of a significant amount of criticism as the season progressed.

With less than one week until the College Football Playoff national championship game between Ohio State and Notre Dame, the Buckeyes’ coordinators will offer their thoughts Tuesday afternoon. This is Kelly’s first season on the Ohio State coaching staff but not his first trip to a championship game.

Ohio State football is on the verge of winning its ninth national title in school history. The Buckeyes will face a resilient Notre Dame team in a matchup between two of the most iconic programs in the sport.

Notre Dame gave an update on some of its injured players just less than a week before the national championship game against Ohio State