Slap the Sign
Fansided

Notre Dame football at Ohio State analysis: Defense, Freeman and more

By Andrew Hall

COLUMBUS, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 03: Audric Estime #7 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish jumps over the pile to score a touchdown during the second quarter of a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on September 03, 2022 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 03: Audric Estime #7 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish jumps over the pile to score a touchdown during the second quarter of a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on September 03, 2022 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Sep 3, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman before the game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman before the game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

Notre Dame football at Ohio State analysis: Defense, Freeman, and more

Marcus Freeman gets a team prepared but still needs in-game work.

The Notre Dame football team held a 10-7 lead deep into the 3rd quarter. They were still in the contest until Miyan Williams scored with 4:51 remaining in the ball game. First-year Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman got the Irish prepared to play a tough, physical game against the Buckeyes. But, in-game management remains an issue.

After the first half, Notre Dame ran the ball, called time out, threw it deep, ran the ball again, and punted back to Ohio State. Ultimately, the Buckeyes kneeled to end the half. But, it was clear Freeman and company did not have a good handle on end-of-half tactics.

This defense might be elite.

Last year, the Buckeye offense averaged 45.7 points per game and 7.96 yards per play. Against a stout and stubborn Irish defense, Ohio State scored 21 points and averaged 5.72 yards per play. It was an impressive defensive performance.

After an early sack of C.J. Stroud, the Buckeyes changed their game plan and were forced to get the ball out quickly. The Notre Dame football program might be able to lean on an elite defense in 2022.

Home/Notre Dame Football