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Fiesta Bowl 2015: Can Notre Dame defense slow down Ohio State?

By Bobby Norell

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Who has the edge in the Fiesta Bowl matchup between Notre Dame and Ohio State? Will it be the Buckeyes offense or the Fighting Irish defense that makes the difference?

The Fiesta Bowl matchup figures to be one of the best bowl games of the season. Both teams were just a few plays from being undefeated and being in the playoffs. The Ohio State Buckeyes have one of the most explosive offenses in college football. When the combination of quarterback J.T. Barrett and running back Ezekiel Elliott are on top of their game, there is perhaps not a better duo.

Elliott was a Heisman candidate for most of the season until he underwhelmed in Ohio State’s biggest game of the year against Michigan State. He is still one of the best backs in the country. Elliott has rushed for 1,672 yards this season with 18 touchdowns. He poses a tall task for Jaylon Smith and the Irish defense.

The OSU rushing attack is certainly the strength of the offense. Anchored by a stout and experienced offensive line the Buckeyes have rushed for over 240 yards per game this season, which was No. 12 nationally. They are also near the top in rushing touchdowns with 35.

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Notre Dame has been in the middle of the pack this season when it comes to rush defense. The Irish are giving up 166 yards on the ground this season, which ranks No. 65 overall and have been inconsistent for most of the season.

ND was able to hold Smoke Mizzell (UVA), Justin Thomas (GT), Deshaun Watson (Clem), Jahad Thomas (Tem) and Christian McCaffrey (Stan) all below 100 yards this year, but then they let an anemic Boston College offense run for more than 200 yards. They also let UMass run for more than 150 yards.

The Buckeyes come in with the No. 41 ranked offense, but they aren’t a team that passes the ball particularly well as they are ranked No. 101 in pass offense. The weak spot of the Notre Dame defense is the secondary, so while OSU ranks near the bottom in passing they may find a way to exploit ND’s weakness.

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Notre Dame’s defense has does have impact players, such as Smith and Sheldon Day to counter Ohio State’s stars. While the Irish defense does have its share of individual talent they have faltered at times this season leading to big plays.

The Irish defense has given up 14 plays of 40 yards or more and nine plays of 50 yards or more this season. With Barrett and Elliott the Buckeyes have the ability to rip off huge chunk plays. Elliot already has six plays of 50 yards or more this season. Notre Dame has made a habit of giving up long scoring drives. Notre Dame has given up 25 scoring drives of 75 yards or more this season.

In turn the Ohio State offense has had 26 scoring drives of 75 yards or more this season. Too many times this season the ND defense let the opposing team march right down the field on them.

So it comes down to this: Who has the edge? OSU’s offense or ND’s defense?

I’m going to have to go with the Buckeyes here. Notre Dame has been way too inconsistent on defense all year. The combination of Barrett and Elliott will be tough to stop. Expect OSU to be able to move the ball and get its fair share of points.

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In order for the Irish defense to be better than the OSU offense I believe they are going to have to sell out on the run and make Barrett beat you with his arm. ND did the same thing vs. Stanford and contained McCaffrey but Kevin Hogan made them pay in the last-second comeback win.

Can Barrett do the same? Time will tell.

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