Notre Dame football at Ohio State analysis: Defense, Freeman and more
By Andrew Hall
Notre Dame football at Ohio State analysis: Defense, Freeman, and more
The offensive line is not as far along as hoped.
The Notre Dame offensive line was billed as one of the top units of 2022. This prediction might still bear fruit. However, they were not one of the best units on Saturday. The Irish averaged only 2.5 yards per carry against the Buckeyes.
The Notre Dame football team needed more from this group if they hoped to pull the upset in Ohio Stadium.
The Notre Dame offense desperately needs more playmakers.
Irish Tight End Michael Mayer caught 5 passes as Notre Dame’s only real offensive threat. Lorenzo Styles, Braden Lenzy, and Kevin Baumann each flashed with big gains but failed to make Ohio State’s defense fear them enough.
More players need to emerge if the Irish want to win double-digit games once again.
Overall, hanging with the No. 2 team in the country was a good sign for the Irish, who dominated the football game in the first half. However, to get where they want to be as a program, they have to play a complete four quarters of football, something they have yet to do with Freeman at the helm.
This is a young offense with a brand new quarterback, so growing pains are to be expected. Against Marshall, the Irish should look a lot better on that side of the ball.