Enhanced Offense Gives Irish Greater Room for Error against Buckeyes

Marcus Freeman addressed the media inside Ohio Stadium last year after a 21-10 loss to the second-ranked Buckeyes in the season opener. 

In the end, eight Notre Dame offensive possessions lasted six plays or fewer and the Irish sustained just three drives longer than 25 yards.

Ohio State limited the Irish to 3.6 yards per play, which included a sparse 76 yards on 30 carries.

The Irish entered the contest with a conservative game plan, hoping to grind out a victory in slow-scoring slugfest. 

“We knew we weren’t going to try outscore them,” Freeman said after the loss. “We were going to have a plan to try to control the ball, run the ball, keep the clock running and limit their offensive possessions. We executed until all of a sudden we had to get to the passing game, and then we go three and out, and we just didn't finish the way we wanted to.”

On Saturday, No. 9 Notre Dame (4-0) will get another chance at No. 6 Ohio State (3-0). Only this year, the Irish possess the offensive firepower to attack the Buckeye defense.

Compared to last season, Notre Dame’s offense has improved dramatically through the first four games of the season.

These aren’t just carefully chosen categories. The Irish also rank in the top 10 in pass efficiency, rushing touchdowns and interceptions thrown.

Does that mean Notre Dame expects to run 70 plays and win in a shoot-out? Of course not. Instead, Freeman understands that the offense can still lead the Irish to victory without playing mistake-free football or holding Ohio State to single digits. 

“It still has to be complementary football as we go into this Saturday,” Freeman said, “but I don’t want to play not to lose. I don’t want to play that way. I want our guys to be aggressive and our guys to be attacking. We will play complementary football, but our objective isn’t just to hold the ball and huddle every single play – what my mindset probably was last year.”

It’ll start up front. Sure, quarterback Sam Hart slings the ball all over the field for 1,061 yards and 15 total touchdowns, but Notre Dame has worked hard in each contest to establish the run early to set up the pass.

Through four games, running back Audric Estimé ranks second in the nation with 130.3 yards per game. 

“If we want to have success on offense, you have to be able to run the ball,” Freeman said. “I know Sam has done a great job of throwing the ball around, but it’s still created off of being able to run the ball and protect the quarterback. We’re going to have to protect the quarterback this week. It’s a great challenge for our guys.”

That’s easier said than done. The Buckeyes are currently holding opponents to 2.5 yards per carry.

“Anytime you deal with a pro-style run game you’re dealing with run and play action,” Day said. “They want to establish the run. It’s clear. You can tell that. I think Estimé is running really well. Running hard. Once that happens, it opens up things down the field. That goes hand in hand.”

The strongest part of Ohio State’s defense is likely its front seven. Second-team All-American Tommy Eichenberg is the quarterback of the defense. 

The defensive line is loaded with future NFL players, led by J.T. Tuimoloau who’s the second-best strongside end prospected heading into the 2024 draft, per ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Jr.

“It's deep and they rotate a lot of guys in there,” Freeman said. “(Tuimoloau) is an impressive football player. He's big. He's powerful, explosive, all those big words you'd like to say about your D-line. He's got a lot of those traits, but they got a bunch of really disruptive guys. 

“We have to be good up front, and we’ve got to make sure that we're good at the line of scrimmage.”

As talented as they are upfront, the Buckeyes have just five sacks through three games, but both Tuimoloau and former blue-chip edge rusher Jack Sawyer dominated against Western Kentucky over the weekend.

For perspective, Marist Liufau leads the Fighting Irish defense with eight pressures through four games.

It’s worth noting that Western Kentucky’s offensive line is likely much worse than it was a year ago. The Hilltoppers lost two former starters to the transfer portal and left tackle Mark Goode underwent knee surgery less than a year ago. 

On the other hand, Notre Dame should present a must tougher challenge. The Irish offensive line boasts Joe Alt, who’s playing the best left tackle in college football for the second year in a row.

Right tackle Blake Fisher is also an intriguing NFL prospect. 

Thus far, the biggest liability is right guard Rocco Spindler, who’s allowed six pressures, including a sack.

If given time, Hartman may be able to pick on the OSU secondary for big plays. On the 16 throws where he’s been pressured, he’s completed 50 percent of passes for 119 yards and two touchdowns. 

Hartman’s completion percentage jumps up to 73.7% and 12.4 yards per attempt when throwing from a clean pocket.

Notre Dame’s receiving corps may have trouble getting open against past Ohio State defensive backs like Denzel Ward, Eli Apple and Marshon Lattimore —  first-round selections who helped the Buckeyes earn the moniker of “DBU” — but the current secondary is far less opposing.

All five of the members of Ohio State’s starting nickel secondary allowed an NFL passer rating greater than 100 in 2022. The Buckeyes also gave up 20 passes of 30+ yards (86th) and 13 passes of 40+ yards (111th). 

Still, Hartman’s biggest advantage isn’t his deep ball or efficient pass. It’s his ability to keep the team steady and focus on executing one play at a time with millions of fans watching.

“In his mind, he has played in games like this,” Freeman said. “He's played some big games at Wake Forest and this moment won’t be too big, being in year six for him. I have a lot of confidence that he'll be well-prepared and the moment won't be too big for him at all.”

Notre Dame may prefer to avoid a shootout, but the Irish won’t be afraid to attack the Ohio State defense. 

As a result, fans could see a game that far exceeds the 55.5 over/under.