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Ohio State Football: Three keys to a win vs. Notre Dame

By Blake Biscardi

Jan 1, 2022; Pasadena, CA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) celebrates with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) after making a catch for a touchdown against the Utah Utes in the fourth quarter during the 2022 Rose Bowl college football game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2022; Pasadena, CA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) celebrates with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) after making a catch for a touchdown against the Utah Utes in the fourth quarter during the 2022 Rose Bowl college football game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Ohio State football team needs to be better in the red zone. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus DispatchOhio State Football First Practice
The Ohio State football team needs to be better in the red zone. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus DispatchOhio State Football First Practice /

The Ohio State football team needs to be better in the red zone

The Buckeyes have had zero problems moving the ball between the 20s as Ryan Day’s offenses have been nothing short of elite in each of his seasons in Columbus. But when you break down the film and look at the numbers, the red zone has been a problem. 2019 was the outlier season where the Buckeyes ranked fourth in red zone offense.

The restricted area will be the key to the game, as settling for field goals hardly ever wins in these settings. Red zone woes were part of the problem against Oregon and Michigan from last year that needs to be resolved. Ohio State has too much talent to flutter inside the 20s, and part of that is due to the lack of a physical rushing attack which I expect to be present this season.

Marvin Harrison Jr. is 6-foot-4, making him a prime red zone target – I expect the sophomore to have a big game as all eyes will be on Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The early emphasis on the running game will pay dividends toward the red zone later in the first half and throughout the second half. Ohio State should not have any issues over the top connecting in the passing game with a talent advantage on the outside.

The strength of the Notre Dame secondary is the backend, as the Irish have a solid group of safeties which will open up opportunities for the tight ends to get involved. Cade Stover has generated a lot of buzz this offseason and is a player to watch, especially in the red zone.

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