2) Big advantage for Ohio State in offensive playmakers.

It helps that Howard has two of the best receivers in the country on his team. Emeka Egbuka returned to school and improved his play after an uneven 2023 season, but freshman Jeremiah Smith is the Buckeyes’ most explosive playmaker and standout sophomore Carnell Tate led the team in receptions Friday. They will test Notre Dame’s outstanding secondary.

The Buckeyes are balanced offensively and can shoot the ball downfield to their pass catchers or lean on their two talented running backs.

OSU RBs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson can run with power, contact balance and speed, as Henderson demonstrated with a 75-yard TD catch on a screen pass against Texas. The Buckeyes’ offensive line has suffered some health scares and is missing Josh Simmons and Seth McLaughlin, but the unit has held together well so far in the playoffs. Donovan Jackson is playing out of position at left tackle but has done well.

3) The stingy defense has plenty of NFL talent.

Most of Notre Dame’s NFL prospects are on defense. Defensive tackle Howard Cross III (son of the former Giants tight end) sets the tone up front. Fellow senior and linebacker Jack Kiser is another NFL prospect. His instincts and run defense should give him a chance to get into the league.

Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts (Senior Bowl commit) and slot cornerback Jordan Clark (East-West Shrine Bowl commit) are among the top performers in the secondary. Watts is an all-around defender who is having an outstanding season with six pass breakups.

This defense, and especially the secondary, will have its hands full all game against the Buckeyes’ talented offense. But if Notre Dame can win the battles at the top, it could upset OSU.

As for the Buckeyes’ defense, the unit’s secondary is led by Alabama transfer Caleb Downs, a sophomore who sealed the win over Texas with an interception. But there are veterans throughout the group, including safety Lathan Ransom, CBs Denzel Burke and Davison Igbinosun, and nickelback Jordan Hancock. Ohio State’s strength lies in its defensive front. Edge rushers Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau are a great duo that are just as relentless as the pass rushers when it comes to getting away. Sawyer scored the decisive point on Friday with his fumble return for a touchdown after his strip sack late in the fourth quarter. OSU is also anchored on the interior by strong DT duo Tyleik Williams and Ty Hamilton.