Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/616353
GAME PREVIEW: OHIO STATE Vonn Bell, a former five‑star recruit in the class of 2013. Bell led the Buckeyes with nine passes broken ups and two interceptions, as well as contributing 63 total tackles for fourth most on the team. "I expect Bell to be playing in the league next season," Noon said. "He's great out there in run support at safety, and he's able to do a lot of things. "Teams have found a few ways to get him out of position this year, but that happens with anybody. The secondary overall has performed very strong." Prior to the Washington citation, Noon thought Ohio State's personnel strongly favored the Buckeyes in the matchup. But now that the borderline first‑round NFL Draft pick will be on the sidelines, he feels a bit more conser‑ vative about Ohio State's chances. "It seems Notre Dame is another team that's had to deal with injuries and is a little disappointed in not being in the playoffs," Noon said. "I think it will be a question of who can bounce back from the injuries. "Ohio State's offense, if they can exe‑ cute the zone read well on Notre Dame, that poses a lot of problems for the Irish. If Ohio State doesn't have that slipup against Michigan State, I think they're a top‑two team in the country. "A motivated Ohio State team can go out and do a lot of things well, it's just a question of how motivated will they be. I do think they'll be ready to play — I think the players will be mad about not being in the playoffs and will respond in a big way." ✦ Sophomore middle linebacker Raekwon McMillan has been learning on the job, but still led a talented Buckeyes defense with 114 tackles (four for loss). PHOTO COURTESY OHIO STATE