Three Obvious Flaws in Ohio State That Notre Dame Can Exploit in the CFP Final
As the College Football Playoff (CFP) Final looms, the battle between Ohio State and Notre Dame promises to be a clash of titans. While Ohio State boasts a formidable lineup, they’re not without their weaknesses. Here are three glaring flaws Notre Dame can exploit to secure a championship victory.
1. Inconsistent Offensive Line Play
One of Ohio State’s most persistent issues this season has been the inconsistency of their offensive line. While the unit has shown flashes of dominance, they’ve struggled against high-caliber defenses, particularly in pass protection. Opposing teams have exploited gaps and weaknesses in their blocking schemes, leading to sacks and hurried throws.
Notre Dame’s defensive front, led by standout pass rusher Jordan Botelho, can capitalize on this vulnerability. By applying consistent pressure on quarterback Kyle McCord, the Fighting Irish can disrupt Ohio State’s offensive rhythm, forcing turnovers and limiting big-play opportunities.
2. Overreliance on Star Players
Ohio State’s offense heavily leans on its star players, such as wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and running back TreVeyon Henderson. While both are game-changers, this dependency can backfire if Notre Dame’s defense focuses on neutralizing them.
Notre Dame’s secondary, anchored by All-American safety Xavier Watts, is more than capable of limiting Harrison’s explosive plays. Similarly, the Irish linebackers, led by JD Bertrand, can focus on containing Henderson in the running game. By forcing Ohio State to rely on secondary options, Notre Dame can stifle their offensive efficiency.
3. Vulnerable Secondary
Despite their impressive defensive stats, Ohio State’s secondary has shown vulnerabilities, particularly against elite passing attacks. They’ve struggled with blown coverages and allowing deep passes, which could spell trouble against a Notre Dame offense that thrives on exploiting mismatches in the passing game.
Quarterback Sam Hartman, known for his accuracy and poise under pressure, can take advantage of these lapses. With a talented receiving corps led by Jayden Thomas and Tobias Merriweather, Notre Dame has the tools to stretch Ohio State’s defense and score crucial points through the air.
Key to Notre Dame’s Victory
To exploit these flaws, Notre Dame must execute a disciplined game plan. Their defensive line needs to dominate the trenches, their secondary must maintain tight coverage, and their offense should prioritize balance and precision. If the Irish can capitalize on Ohio State’s weaknesses, they stand a strong chance of lifting the CFP trophy.
As the countdown to the final continues, fans can expect an electrifying showdown. While Ohio State’s strengths make them formidable, their flaws provide a pathway for Notre Dame to claim victory on college football’s biggest stage.
