ND absolutely has to slow this game down by making Ohio State move the ball down the field with 10+ play series. I think they have the defense to maybe accomplish this but they are going to have to play really well.
On offense, as long as your defense is doing its job, stick with the run, try to wear Ohio States defense down enough that you can score late.
Ohio State has to find a way to get Smith involved if they employ the same defensive technique Notre Dame did. I think sometimes Day and Kelly thinks, ok they are going to focus on Smith so we will just concentrate on Egbuka and Tate getting the ball. No, figure out ways to get him involved bc he is simply too big of a playmaker to only have one catch. Will Howard has to take care of the ball and they have to try to limit those big penalties that put them 20+ yards behind the sticks. Happened too many times last night
On defense, shut the run down and use your line rotation to keep those guys fresh cause ND won't give up on the run easily. Don't want them going into the 4th gassed bc ND has 30+ run attempts already. Hopefully they can continue getting pressure with mostly the front four. This has been huge all playoff run. JTs ankle is probably killing him today, need him to be close to 100% Sawyer, Williams, Hamilton, Jackson, Houston, etc all need to keep playing well bc this allows Simon, Downs, and Ransom to play downhill and make plays.
I think this does turn into a tight game. Hopefully the Bucks can pull it out.
