By Ty Scheiner
I get that the talk around the national championship game will be centered on Ohio State’s offense, with their talented wide receiver group featuring Jeremiah Smith, Emeka Egbuka, and Carnell Tate, as well as their dynamic backfield duo of Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson. However, I believe the story is going to come down to both defensive units and will shape up to be an old-school defensive battle. Jim Knowles and Al Golden, two great defensive minds, have been the leaders of their units. Thanks to their schemes, combined with talent, these might arguably be the two best units on the field Monday night.
Notre Dame’s Defense
The Irish have built this season on a reputation for a blue-collar, resilient mentality under Marcus Freeman. As a former linebacker, Freeman has instilled discipline, physicality, and aggressiveness. Notre Dame has been one of the best defensive teams this season, ranking third in total defense and second in scoring defense, allowing just 14.2 points per game.
Although the Irish have been plagued by injuries, their defense has stepped up and embraced the ‘Next Man In’ mentality. Jack Kiser‘s instincts, speed and football IQ helps him lead the Irish with 85 tackles and two forced fumbles. Notre Dame’s secondary, led by Christian Gray, Jordan Clark, Leonard Moore, and Adon Shuler, has been a nightmare for wide receivers. Complementing them is safety Xavier Watts, who has six of those interceptions and 75 total tackles. The team as a whole has recorded 19 interceptions this year, often in clutch situations.
Ohio State’s Defense
Despite being known for their high-powered offense, Ohio State has relied heavily on their defense this season. Jim Knowles’ unit ranks first nationally in total defense and second in red zone defense, allowing scores on just 61% of opponents’ trips inside the 20-yard line.
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The defense has been led by superstars in defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau, linebacker Jack Sawyer, and safety Caleb Downs. Tuimoloau has recorded 11.5 sacks and two forced fumbles this season. Caleb Downs, who might be one of the best players in the country, has 76 total tackles, two interceptions, and six passes defended.
Jack Sawyer, the emotional leader of the defense, has tallied 56 tackles and nine sacks, half of which have come in the playoffs. Cody Simon has also been dominant, with 104 tackles, seven sacks, and seven passes defended.
Numbers Don’t Lie
Statistically, both defenses have been dominant all season. Notre Dame has allowed just 14.3 points per game, while Ohio State has given up 12.2 points per game. The Irish hold a significant edge in turnover margin at +17 compared to Ohio State’s +4, but both teams excel at creating and capitalizing on mistakes. And Ohio State has amassed 51 sacks, while Notre Dame has racked up 38.
Both teams also come up big on third downs. Notre Dame has allowed opponents to convert just 30% of third downs, while Ohio State sits at 35%. The battle for field position will be key in this game, as both defenses have a knack for getting off the field in critical moments.
A Defensive Masterclass Awaits
I expect a masterclass from Al Golden and Jim Knowles. We’ve witnessed Golden’s defensive pedigree this season, and how he makes in-game adjustments which will be important against Ohio State’s balanced attack. While Ryan Day has entrusted Knowles with turning the Buckeyes’ defense into a juggernaut.
I believe this game is going to remind us that defense still wins championships. I see this game being an old-school defensive battle, and I think it’s going to come down to which defense can make that one extra stop or force that game-changing turnover.
