The first quarter of Ohio State Football’s season is ending this weekend, with its biggest test of that time frame coming in South Bend, Indiana, with a massive clash with Notre Dame.
The Irish have been one of the more impressive teams in the country, entering the game 4-0, with a top-10 scoring offense and a defense that isn’t far behind. The top-10 matchup brings a lot of talent to the table on both sides.
Buy Buckeyes TicketsFor the first time this season, both team will be challenged. Some of those challenges are highlighted below, as I look at which Notre Dame players could give Ohio State some problems on Saturday night.
Offensive tackle Joe Alt
Joe Alt hasn’t allowed a single pressure this season🤯@NDFootball pic.twitter.com/nMnLX9SqBF
— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 20, 2023
Why
It isn’t rare to see an offensive lineman get highlighted, but it is when it’s the first player being discussed. Alt is a three-year starter, who primarily played tight end in high school. He will be one of the first tackles off the board in this coming NFL draft. He has yet to allow a pressure this season, has the elite athleticism you look for, and isn’t a slouch run blocking. Alt might be the toughest challenge all season for the Ohio State defensive line.
Cornerback Benjamin Morrison
The plays Benjamin Morrison made as a true freshman last season were SPECIAL☘️
— PFF College (@PFF_College) June 28, 2023
Why
A freshman-All American last season, Morrison hasn’t been tested much this season, but still has a pick. Teams learned their lesson after six of them last season, one of to the house against Clemson. Morrison will most likely try and shadow Marvin Harrison Jr., which is one of the most intriguing matchups inside the game. Two All-Americans going up against each other is must watch TV.
Running back Audric Estime
.@NDFootball RB Audric Estime (@AudricEstime) reached a max speed of nearly 21 mph on this 80-yard TD. #ReelAnalytics
🎥: @espncfb
🔗 https://t.co/orrD059ykP pic.twitter.com/M1ORqbdR79
— Reel Analytics (@RAanalytics) September 11, 2023
Why
The nation’s leader in rushing yardage, Estime is an absolute load to handle. He is 6-foot and 228-pounds, but isn’t just a power back. He’s added some home run potential to his game this year, breaking off a career long 80-yard touchdown run against NC State this season. Running behind Alt and company, Estime will be a challenge for the Ohio State linebackers.
Linebacker JD Bertrand
Injury Updates:
JD Bertrand (concussion): Will play
Gabriel Rubio (knee): Will practice Tuesday, probable
Mitchell Evans (concussion): Expected to play
DJ Brown (hamstring): Will play— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) September 18, 2023
Why
The heart and soul of the Irish defense, Bertrand as out last week after suffering a concussion. It looks like’s he will be back in action, which means the unit will have its leader back. Bertrand’s game is very similar to Tommy Eichenberg’s, tackling machines who occasionally make big plays. The Ohio State offensive line has to get to the second level and get a hat on Bertrand to open run lanes for the backs.
Quarterback Sam Hartman
Sam Hartman: 8 Passing TDs on 20+ Yard Throws
Leads all Power Five QBs🚀 pic.twitter.com/exVoKoWqre
— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 20, 2023
Why
The biggest difference between last season and this for the Irish is Hartman. He has over 10,000 yards of total offense under his belt, and has taken a run-heavy offense to the next level with a downfield passing game. Hartman has been excellent on deep shots, scoring touchdowns in two-minute drills and dictating Notre Dame’s offense. The Buckeyes will have to make sure that he get’s pressured in making quicker decisions than he want’s to, as he has been prone to some errors in the past.
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