Notre Dame's Explosive Offense Has A Test Against Ohio State's Defense

Notre Dame fans have been begging for years to see a dynamic, explosive offense in South Bend, and through four games that has finally arrived. Notre Dame set a program record with a fifth-straight 40+ scoring game, and scored at least 40 points in the first four games of a season for the first time since 1900.

Notre Dame has been one of the nation's best offenses through the first four games. In fact, Notre Dame is one of just six teams that currently averages over 300 passing yards and 200 rushing yards per game.

This weekend the Fighting Irish offense will need to be on top of its game against an Ohio State defense that has been outstanding through three games. Notre Dame will be Ohio State's toughest test so far, and the Buckeyes will absolutely be the toughest test for the Irish.

If Notre Dame is going to earn this big win the offense will need to continue its strong, balanced play.

Notre Dame Rush Offense vs OSU Rush Defense

Notre Dame has been a strong rushing through four games. The Irish haven't really exploded on the ground yet, but the success has been consistent. Notre Dame has racked up at least 170 yards in each game. Notre Dame has been a big play rush offense this season, ranking 3rd nationally in runs of at least 10 yards, 8th in rushes of at least 20 yards, 6th in rushes of at least 30 yards and 4th in rushes of at least 40 yards.

Running back Audric Estime ranks second nationally in rushing yards per game (130.3) and he's 8th nationally in yards per carry (8.3). Estime also leads college football in rushes of 10+ yards and 20+ yards, and he's one of just four backs with a run of at least 80 yards. Estime had a 72-yard touchdown run against Central Michigan called back.

The Irish backfield is deep, with Jeremiyah Love, Jadarian Price and Gi'Bran Payne combining for 271 yards of their own.

There is no doubt Notre Dame's backfield is loaded, but success in this matchup will be determined by what happens up front. Notre Dame's offensive line will need to be at its best against Ohio State's talented front. The interior defensive line isn't the biggest, but they are quick, physical and have been the primary force in Ohio State's dominant run defense so far.

Ohio State has held each of its first three opponents to under 100 yards, and only Youngstown State (3.0 YPC) went for more than 2.5 yards per carry. This is an even more impressive stat when you see that Ohio State only has 17 tackles for loss so far. That means the Buckeyes are consistently stuffing runs at the line of scrimmage. Notre Dame guards Rocco Spindler and Pat Coogan, and center Zeke Correll will need to play at their best if the Irish are going to be able to get anything going on the ground.

Notre Dame Pass Offense vs OSU Pass Defense

Notre Dame has had similar success on the ground, but we haven't seen Notre Dame have this type of success through the air, especially from a big play standpoint. Notre Dame ranks 5th in the country in yards per attempt and 10th in yards per completion, and that success has been fueled by big plays.

Notre Dame already has 8 completions of at least 40 yards in just four games, which is already double what the team had the entire 2022 season. Notre Dame's most pass plays of 40+ yards in a season dating back to 2010 is just 12, which it accomplished in 2015. The 8 gains of at least 40 yards is more than Notre Dame had in 2022, 2018, 2012, 2011 and 2010, and ties the number from 2020 and 2016.

Quarterback Sam Hartman has been a catalyst for this success, and the Irish signal caller leads the nation with 13 touchdown passes and he's 3rd nationally in quarterback rating (217.81). Hartman also ranks 4th nationally in yards per pass attempt and 7th in yards per completion. He's spread the ball around well, with 15 different players catching a pass from Hartman this season.

As good as Ohio State's run defense has been the pass defense has been even better. The Buckeyes rank in the Top 10 nationally in fewest yards allowed, yards allowed per attempt, yards allowed per completion, fewest touchdowns allowed and pass efficiency defense. Ohio State cornerbacks Denzel Burke and Davison Igbinosun are holding opponents to under 50% completions on the season. They will present a major challenge for Irish receivers Tobias Merriweather, Chris Tyree and Jayden Thomas.

It's a big improvement for a defense that gave up an average of 331.3 yards per game through the air in the last three games of the season. Notre Dame will need to find a way to tap into that if they are going to beat the Buckeyes, but that's easier said than done.

Notre Dame Scoring Offense vs OSU Scoring Defense

This game isn't just a battle of two Top 10 teams, there's also a Top 10 battle when the Irish offense and Buckeye defense are on the field. Notre Dame ranks 9th in the country in scoring offense, yards per play, third down offense, red zone touchdown offense and most plays of at least 30 yards. Ohio State ranks 2nd in scoring defense, third in yards allowed per play and 4th in total defense.

For years the Notre Dame offense has been the primary culprit in Notre Dame not being able to win big games like this. If the Irish are going to change their big game fortunes the offense will need to lead the way.

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