Notre Dame’s Uphill Battle: Joel Klatt Explains Why the Fighting Irish Will Struggle Against Ohio State’s Defense
As the College Football Playoff National Championship Game approaches, FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt has expressed his concerns about Notre Dame’s ability to score against Ohio State’s formidable defense. Klatt’s blunt assessment suggests that the Fighting Irish’s offense will face significant challenges, and quarterback Riley Leonard will need to deliver his best performance of the season.
Klatt’s analysis highlights the strength and depth of Ohio State’s defense, which he believes is the best defense Notre Dame will have faced this season. The Buckeyes’ defensive line, linebackers, safeties, and cornerbacks have all been excellent, making it difficult for opponents to find weaknesses to exploit.
To succeed, Klatt emphasizes that Notre Dame must find ways to achieve first-down success, which can be accomplished through two strategies. Firstly, the Fighting Irish can utilize quarterback runs to equate numbers and create physical matchups that can gain four or five yards. Secondly, they can employ the RPO (Run-Pass Option) pass game, which mimics the run and allows the quarterback to read the defense post-snap. This can lead to opportunities for slants, flares, or other passes that can equate numbers.
However, even these strategies come with challenges. Ohio State’s defense has shown exceptional ability to adapt and respond to different offensive approaches. Their depth and talent across all positions make it difficult for opponents to find consistent success.
Klatt’s assessment serves as a sobering reminder of the task ahead for Notre Dame. While the Fighting Irish have shown resilience and determination throughout the season, their offense will need to elevate its performance significantly to overcome the formidable Ohio State defense.
As the stage is set for the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, one thing is clear: Notre Dame’s offense will face its toughest test yet. Can Riley Leonard and the Fighting Irish rise to the challenge, or will Ohio State’s defense prove too strong to overcome? The answer will be revealed on Monday.
