3 matchups in Notre Dame football vs. Ohio State that will influence outcome and draft boards
By Glenn Adams
Talent evaluation is not an exact science. However, it becomes a lot easier when we get to see the best versus the best. And that is what we have this weekend when Notre Dame football takes on Ohio State.
The stars will be out for the Notre Dame football vs. Ohio State game. No, this is not referring to the stars off the field, like at a recent Colorado Buffaloes football game. Although, there are sure to be some well-known celebrities roaming the sidelines in South Bend.
This is referring to the stars on the field, who are the players who are playing in the game. We have the privilege of watching guys like Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Ebbuka, Donovan Jackson, Michael Jr., and quarterback Sam Hartman. The field will be littered with current collegiate stars and future NFL players.
There will also be stars engaged in individual matchups that will heavily influence the outcome of the game and the NFL draft rankings. Here are three head-to-head matchups that deserve close observation throughout the game.
Blake Fisher vs. Jack Sawyer
When Notre Dame football has the ball, one of the more intriguing contests will be when Jack Sawyer lines up across from Blake Fisher in what should be a high-quality matchup.
The Buckeyes boast one of the best defensive lines in the country. Pro Football Focus ranked them second heading into the season. One reason for that is the play of edge rusher Jack Sawyer.
In the 2022 season, Sawyer recorded 24 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and led the Buckeyes in sacks in the 2022 season with 4.5. PFF ranks Sawyer 79th overall among draft prospects. Mock Draft Database has the edge rusher at 42nd and is their sixth-best defensive end.
Even though Sawyer had more sacks than his teammate J.T. Tuimoloau, Sawyer is ranked lower in the draft rankings. That could play in Sawyer’s favor because, while the Irish offense is focused on the other side, that will allow him to work in more favorable conditions.
And when Sawyer finds himself one-on-one, there is a good chance he will be squared up against Notre Dame’s offensive tackle, Blake Fisher.
PFF ranks the Notre Dame football O-lline as the sixth-best heading into the season. PFF had Fisher at 149 last week. He has since fallen out of their top 150. Mock Draft Database ranks him 76th overall.
For now, Fisher finds himself further down the draft boards than he would like. He has been inconsistent since the start of this season. The right tackle has a great opportunity to right the ship and improve his stock if he can keep a clean sheet against a formidable Ohio State defensive line.