The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are preparing to face the Ohio State Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff national championship game on Monday night. Ohio State’s standout freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith has issued a clear warning to Notre Dame regarding their defensive strategy. Smith has observed that Notre Dame typically employs a man-to-man coverage scheme, claiming they play man coverage “80 percent” of the time. He emphasized that he is eager to capitalize on this tactical choice.
“If you are going to play man [to-man defense] against Ohio State, be ready,” Smith said according to ESPN. “I can’t wait to put on a show.” Notably, while Notre Dame has excelled as one of the best defenses in the nation while utilizing man coverage throughout the season, Ohio State counters as one of the top teams against such defensive schemes. Quarterback Will Howard boasts the highest completion percentage and passer rating nationally when facing man-to-man defense. Despite this, Notre Dame remains committed to their defensive style.
“A lot of teams have gone to the zone mindset when playing them,” Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore remarked on Wednesday according to Eleven Warriors. “I think Penn State played a decent amount of man. That’s their identity. But I think that going into this game we’re not going to change who we are. We’re going to play man coverage like we do every week. We’re going to go out there and challenge their receivers.” Ohio State wide receivers coach Brian Hartline anticipates Notre Dame will stick to their man coverage strategy on Monday night.
“What [the Irish do] they do very, very well. So for them to change up what they do would be kind of silly,” Hartline told ESPN. “They’re really, really good players, great players on the outside. And we’re really great players on the outside, too. It’s what you want in a game of this magnitude.” With both teams showcasing their strengths, the upcoming game will certainly feature Ohio State’s potent passing attack against Notre Dame’s resolute man-to-man coverage. It will be intriguing to see who emerges victorious.
