Elite Ohio State-Notre Dame defensive clash caps marathon college football season

The stage is set for an epic defensive showdown as Ohio State and Notre Dame clash in the College Football Playoff national championship game. This highly anticipated matchup caps off a thrilling college football season, with both teams boasting elite defensive units ¹.

Ohio State’s defense, led by coordinator Jim Knowles, has been a force to be reckoned with. The Buckeyes have generated a 45.3% pressure rate on opposing drop backs, ranking third in the power conferences. Their pass-rushing duo of Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau has combined for an impressive 99 pressures and 31 adjusted sacks ².

Notre Dame’s defense, on the other hand, has been equally impressive. The Fighting Irish boast the nation’s third-best pass defense, allowing just 5.8 yards per pass attempt. Their secondary, led by safety Xavier Watts, has been particularly stingy, with Watts earning consensus first-team All-American honors ³.

The key matchup to watch will be Ohio State’s high-powered offense, led by quarterback Will Howard and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, against Notre Dame’s man-to-man defense.