Ohio State vs. Notre Dame: Opponent Preview
Entering Week 4 of this college football season, the No. 6 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes are beginning preparations for their biggest game to this point. The Buckeyes will make the trip to South Bend, Indiana, to take on the No. 9 ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
In an often talked about matchup in the offseason, the game is on course to live up to the billing on Saturday as both teams remain unbeaten. However, only one team will walk off the field with the zero still in the loss column.
In a rematch from last season's thrilling win in Columbus, Ohio State will look to make it their sixth-straight win over the Fighting Irish historically. All-time, the Buckeyes boast a 5-2 record in head-to-head matchups, with the last five being wins.
While both teams are unbeaten and ranked inside the top-10 like they were heading into last season's game, things will look much different for both sides. Neither side will have the same quarterback under center as Ohio State's C.J. Stroud is now in the NFL and has handed off the reins to Kyle McCord. At the same time, the Irish's Tyler Buchner transferred to Alabama in the offseason and has been replaced by former Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman.
After setting records as a Demon Deacon, Hartman has seen his success translate immediately with the Irish, as he has thrown for 1,061 yards and 13 touchdowns while completing 71.1 percent of his passes. Hartman's strong play has seen the Irish offense score over 40 points in each win.
However, while Hartman will be the most experienced quarterback on the field in South Bend, it was the Buckeyes' defense that played a major role in beating Notre Dame last season. After being down 10-7 at halftime, it wasn't until a third-quarter touchdown right before the start of the fourth quarter that helped the Buckeyes see past the Irish.
After a 24-yard pass from C.J. Stroud to Xavier Johnson got the Buckeyes in the endzone in the third quarter, a Miyan Williams rushing touchdown sealed the 21-10 victory.
After holding Notre Dame to just 253 total yards a season ago, the Buckeyes' defense will look to do better in year two under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.
So far, the Buckeyes' defense has made the Year 2 leap that many were hoping to see under Knowles, as they have allowed just two touchdowns through three games, an accomplishment Ohio State last accomplished back in 2007.
While defense could be key again, fans will also hope that their offensive explosion in the 63-10 win against Western Kentucky is a sign of things to come, as McCord will make just his second start since officially being named the full-time starting quarterback.
Notre Dame
2023 Record: 4-0
Head Coach: Marcus Freeman
Offensive Leaders
Passing: Sam Hartman
2023 Stats: 64 for 90 passing for 1,061 yards and 13 touchdowns
Rushing: Audric Estime
2023 Stats: 63 carries for 521 yards and five touchdowns
Receiving: Chris Tyree
2023 Stats: Eight receptions for 216 yards and two touchdowns
Defensive Leaders
Tackles: LB Jack Kiser, 26
Sacks: LB Jack Kiser, 1
Interceptions: Benjamin Morrison, 1