Ohio State and Notre Dame are slated to play each other on Jan. 20 for the College Football Playoff National Championship. Obviously, the most pivotal aspect of the game will be how the Notre Dame Fighting Irish’s secondary will defend the Ohio State Buckeyes’ elite receivers.
Marcus Freeman Explains Strategy Against Ohio State’s Passing Attack
While speaking to the media on Sunday, Jan. 12, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman described how his team will defend Ohio State’s elite weapons.
“As you watch film, not many teams are successful just sitting in man coverage versus these receivers. We’ll obviously have to mix some things up and come up with a great plan to try to limit what they do in the passing game,” Freeman said. “You’re not going to be able to stop their receivers totally. They’re a talented bunch. So, we’ll come up with a plan and be able to adapt and adjust based off what’s going on in the game.”
Jeremiah Smith has developed into the Buckeyes’ WR1 throughout the season and has quickly emerged as one of the best wideouts in the nation.
Texas made it a priority to limit Smith’s impact during the Cotton Bowl, consistently sending double and triple coverages his way.
The plan obviously worked, holding the freshman receiver to three yards on one catch, but it is ultimately a pick-your-poison play with Ohio State’s offense, as that opened up ample opportunities for Emeka Egbuka and Carnell Tate.
READ MORE: 5 Key Battles That Will Decide the 2025 College Football National Championship Game
Tate led the team with seven receptions for 87 yards, while Egbuka tallied 51 yards on five catches.
If Notre Dame copies Texas’ gameplan, it could temporarily work, but the Buckeyes can expose that plan with the plethora of weapons at their disposal. As Freeman stated, it is key for his defense to continually adapt and make changes when needed.
College Football Network has you covered with the latest from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and every Group of Five conference and FBS Independent program.