Notre Dame’s Run Game Needs Revival Against Ohio State Due To…
As Notre Dame prepares to face Ohio State in what promises to be one of the marquee matchups of the season, one glaring issue has become evident: the Fighting Irish’s run game needs a serious revival. Despite flashes of brilliance earlier in the season, Notre Dame’s ground attack has faltered in crucial moments, and against a team as talented and disciplined as Ohio State, this deficiency could prove disastrous.
Here’s why reviving the run game is not just a preference for Notre Dame but an absolute necessity.
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Ohio State’s Defensive Front: A Formidable Test
The Buckeyes boast one of the most intimidating defensive fronts in college football. Anchored by standout players like JT Tuimoloau and Michael Hall Jr., Ohio State’s defense has been relentless against the run, limiting opposing offenses to minimal gains on the ground.
For Notre Dame, this poses a significant problem. A stagnant running game will force the offense to become one-dimensional, putting immense pressure on quarterback Sam Hartman to deliver in the passing game. While Hartman has proven to be a capable leader, relying solely on his arm against a defense like Ohio State’s is a gamble the Irish can’t afford.
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Past Struggles and Missed Opportunities
Notre Dame’s recent outings have highlighted a worrying inconsistency in their rushing attack. Although running backs Audric Estime and Jadarian Price have shown flashes of brilliance, the offensive line’s inability to create consistent running lanes has hampered the team’s overall efficiency.
In their matchup against Duke earlier in the season, the Irish’s run game sputtered in key moments, leaving the offense stalled and unable to close out the game convincingly. Similar struggles were evident in their victory against NC State, where the ground game lacked rhythm and explosiveness against a stout defensive front.
Ohio State will undoubtedly take note of these vulnerabilities and look to exploit them. Without a reliable run game, Notre Dame risks falling into predictable play-calling patterns, making it easier for the Buckeyes to tighten their grip on the game.
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Time of Possession and Controlling the Game
One of the keys to defeating a powerhouse like Ohio State is controlling the clock. Keeping the Buckeyes’ high-octane offense off the field requires sustained drives, and that starts with a dominant run game.
Notre Dame’s ability to chew up yardage on the ground not only helps to keep Ohio State’s defense on the field but also wears them down over the course of the game. More importantly, it minimizes the opportunities for Ohio State’s offense, led by quarterback Kyle McCord and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., to wreak havoc.
The Fighting Irish have historically thrived when they control time of possession. Reviving the run game against Ohio State is not just about gaining yards; it’s about dictating the pace of the game and preventing the Buckeyes from finding their rhythm.
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Audric Estime: The X-Factor
If Notre Dame is to reignite its rushing attack, much of the burden will fall on the shoulders of junior running back Audric Estime. Standing at 5’11” and weighing 227 pounds, Estime is a bruising back capable of wearing down defenses with his physicality and relentless running style.
However, Estime will need help from his offensive line, which has struggled with consistency in recent weeks. Against Ohio State’s elite defensive front, the Irish’s linemen must step up and create opportunities for Estime to break through the first line of defense.
Estime’s ability to pick up tough yards and move the chains will be crucial in keeping Notre Dame’s offense balanced and unpredictable. If he can establish himself early in the game, it will open up opportunities for play-action passes and take some of the pressure off Hartman.
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The Importance of Creativity in Play-Calling
Reviving the run game against Ohio State will require more than just brute force; it will demand creativity from offensive coordinator Gerad Parker. The Buckeyes’ defense is too disciplined to be beaten by predictable inside runs, so Notre Dame must diversify its rushing attack.
Incorporating jet sweeps, option plays, and screen passes can help keep Ohio State’s defense guessing and create opportunities for big plays. Utilizing dual-threat quarterback Tyler Buchner in specific packages could also add an element of surprise, forcing the Buckeyes to account for an additional rushing threat.
Parker’s ability to adjust and adapt his play-calling to exploit Ohio State’s defensive weaknesses will be a determining factor in the game’s outcome.
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What’s at Stake
This matchup carries significant implications for both teams. For Notre Dame, a victory over Ohio State would solidify their status as a legitimate College Football Playoff contender. However, a loss could derail their season and raise questions about their ability to compete against elite programs.
For head coach Marcus Freeman, this game is also a chance to prove that Notre Dame can perform under the bright lights against top-tier competition. A revived run game would not only give the Irish a better chance of winning but also demonstrate that they can adapt and address their weaknesses when it matters most.
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Conclusion: A Revival is Non-Negotiable
If Notre Dame hopes to topple Ohio State, the revival of their run game is non-negotiable. The Buckeyes’ defense is too strong to be challenged by a one-dimensional offense, and the Fighting Irish must find a way to establish themselves on the ground early and often.
With the stakes higher than ever, the pressure is on Notre Dame’s offensive line, running backs, and coaching staff to rise to the occasion. Whether they can deliver will not only determine the
outcome of this game but could also define the trajectory of their season.
