Notre Dame (14-1) has risen to the occasion at every turn during the playoffs. The national championship won’t be too big of a stage.
Why Notre Dame can beat Ohio State: Running ability
When the Buckeyes were upset at home by Michigan, 13-10, in November, the Wolverines had a 172-77 advantage on the ground. Michigan running back Kalel Mullings had 32 carries, 116 yards and a touchdown.
The Irish are a run-heavy team that can shorten the game against Ohio State, keeping the Buckeyes’ electrifying weapons, led by outstanding freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, on the sideline. Per Team Rankings, Notre Dame entered Thursday 40th in the country in rush play rate, running the ball on 55.39% of its plays.
Penn State held Notre Dame to 116 yards on 42 carries (2.8 yards per attempt), but the Irish had solid production in key situations. Per Stat Broadcast, the Irish gained 60 yards on 16 first-down carries (3.8 yards per carry) and was 6-of-8 in power rushing situations, which are defined as successful carries on 3rd- or 4th-and-2 or less.
Why Notre Dame can beat Texas: Already beat Texas A&M and Georgia
The last time Notre Dame played in the national championship game, it was throttled by Alabama, 42-14, in the final iteration of the BCS championship. If the Irish play SEC runner-up Texas, things should be much different.
Notre Dame is 2-0 against the SEC this season, defeating Texas A&M, 23-13, in Week 1, and Georgia, 23-10, in last Thursday’s Sugar Bowl.
While Texas also notched a 10-point win over the Aggies, 17-7, it lost twice to Georgia, including in the SEC Championship game when it blew a 6-3 halftime lead to Bulldogs backup quarterback Gunner Stockton in a 22-19 overtime loss.
Notre Dame is no longer the SEC’s punching bag. In fact, the Fighting Irish can deliver the conference a knockout blow if it gets the Longhorns in the national championship game.
