Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/616353
GAME PREVIEW: OHIO STATE Buckeyes have faced, averaging 20.5 yards per catch. Advantage: Even SPECIAL TEAMS Throughout his career, OSU head coach Urban Meyer has developed strong special teams, and that has continued this season. The Buckeyes rank in the top 25 nationally in kickoff defense, punt return de- fense, net punting and punt returns. OSU's ability to cover well and to rip off big gains in the return game helps it to consistently win the field position battle. The Irish have scored three special teams touch- downs in 2015, but consistency has been an issue. Notre Dame ranks just 76th in kick return defense and 46th in punt return defense, which overshadows the strong season from sophomore punter Tyler Newsome. Advantage: Ohio State COACHING Brian Kelly has had a strong run at Notre Dame, lead- ing the Irish to the 2012 national title game and getting the Irish within four points this season from being in championship contention. During his six seasons at Notre Dame, Kelly has compiled a 55-22 record and a .714 winning percentage. Not since Lou Holtz was in charge has Notre Dame had that level of success. Meyer has been even better. Now in his fourth sea- son at OSU, Meyer is 49-4, leading the Buckeyes to the 2014 national title — the third of his career (he also won at Florida in 2006 and 2008). During his 14 seasons as a head coach, Meyer has gone 153-27. Meyer is also 9-2 in postseason games. Advantage: Ohio State INTANGIBLES Rarely does OSU face a team that has played in as many big games as it has, but Notre Dame has done exactly that. The Irish have been challenged all season, and ultimately the came up six points shy of being un- defeated and earning a spot into the College Football Playoff. Notre Dame has been the more focused team all season and has played far more consistently than have the Buckeyes. While OSU might have the more talented roster top to bottom, Meyer's group has not been as explosive or as consistent as it was during the 2014 title run. Advantage: Notre Dame