ATLANTA — The Post's Zach Braziler covers the national championship game between No. 7 Notre Dame and No. 8 Ohio State at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (7:30 p.m. Monday, ESPN).
When Notre Dame has the ball
This is a matchup between the nation's No. 6 scoring offense and No. 14 rushing attack (Notre Dame), and the No. 1 scoring defense and No. 3 rushing defense (Ohio State).
It's strength against strength. But in reality, this showdown may come down to whether the Irish can run the ball against the Buckeyes' fierce front seven.
Notre Dame doesn't feature a strong passing attack, with quarterback Riley Leonard throwing just 19 touchdown passes on the year and never exceeding 300 yards in a season — I rely on the run to set up.
However, Ohio State held Oregon, Texas, and Tennessee to a combined 187 rushing yards in three playoff wins.
All eyes will be on Notre Dame left tackle Charles Jagusa, who is expected to start after tearing his right pectoral muscle in August.
His replacement, Anthony Knapp, suffered a high ankle sprain in the semifinal win over Penn State.
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When Ohio State has the ball
Notre Dame typically relies on its great cornerbacks to play man coverage.
The Irish led the nation in defensive passing efficiency, which is key to a defense that ranks second in scoring.
But they haven't seen a receiver like the one that belongs at Ohio State. And it's not just superstar freshman Jeremiah Smith (1,227 yards, 14 touchdowns).
Emeka Egbuka (947 yards, 10 TDs) and Colonel Tate (698 yards, 4 TDs) are also dangerous players, and the Buckeyes also have dynamic running backs Treveyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, a tandem that combines He rushed for 1,927 yards and 22 points. ground.
Oregon State and Texas matched on top-20 defenses, but they couldn't slow down this explosive unit.
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special teams
Notre Dame's special teams played a big role in its quarterfinal victory over Georgia, with Jaden Harrison scoring a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and drawing an offside on fourth down after setting up a punt on first. Ta.
Irish people like to be creative.
But despite Mitch Jeter's clutch, game-winning 41-yard run in the semifinals, their kickers missed 11 attempts this year.
Ohio State's Jayden Fielding has been even more reliable this year, hitting 11 for 15 at bat.
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coaching
Notre Dame's Marcus Freeman and Ohio State's Ryan Day are both seeking their first national championships.
They each have shown an ability to handle adversity well, with Freeman following a stunning loss to Northern Illinois in Week 2 and Day retiring after a Thanksgiving weekend loss to bitter rival Michigan. Rebuilt.
Each coach was initially given the interim tag before landing their first head coaching job at their current school. One will reach the top of Atlanta.
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Players who could decide the game (other than quarterback)
Caleb Downs, Ohio
Downs, an All-American and Defensive Back of the Year, more than lived up to the hype as one of the premier players to enter the transfer portal last offseason. .
Nick Saban said last year that Downs was one of the most complete players he had ever coached at the University of Alabama. That's an incredibly high rating.
RB Jeremiah Love, Notre Dame
It's hard to see the Irish going into this game without Love making a big impact.
The 1,000-yard rusher said he is healthy after missing the playoffs with a knee injury, and the sophomore will need to be at his best come Monday night.
WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State University
Ohio State's freshman record holder for receptions (71), receiving yards (1,227) and touchdown catches (14) is a game-breaker.
Some NFL Draft analysts believe he could be a top-five pick at this point if he is eligible.
Will Notre Dame really try to protect him with male coverage?
prediction
Irish people have a bad temper.
they are tough.
They are determined.
But they aren't as talented as Ohio State.
The Buckeyes can play the “C” game and win.
I expect to be competitive – the Irish haven't lost heavily – but it's hard to see an upset.
The Buckeyes are too balanced and have too strong a defense up front, which nullifies Notre Dame's offense. In the end, they wore down Marcus Freeman's brave team in the final quarter.
Ohio State University 28, University of Notre Dame 17
