Sept 3 | Ohio State

[Jimmy3Putt]

If Oregon and Michigan can do it with inferior talent against a more talented OSU team, we should be able to.

 

[InKellyWeTrust]

If Oregon and Michigan can do it with inferior talent against a more talented OSU team, we should be able to.

I don't see Michigan and Oregon having inferior talent. And I don't agree last year's OSU team was more talented than this year.

 

[arrowryan]

I don't see Michigan and Oregon having inferior talent. And I don't agree last year's OSU team was more talented than this year.

Oregon and Michigan beat OSU by doing what Notre Dame does best: running the ball. Notre Dame won’t have a chance if Buchner throws it 35+ times.

OSU has talented receivers. But I can’t imagine the transition from replacing 2 first round receivers to what they have now will be seamless. In October and November, I’m sure that’ll be different.

 

[GoldenAura]

VERY curious to know if my people on here really think we will beat OSU , on the road, prime time???

I must admit, I deff trend to the pessimistic side of things, for my own “emotional protection”, so I’m gladdd to be talked to the other side !! (PLEASE)

Sorry, no optimism from me on this one. I think OSU's offense is gonna be way too much to handle - and that's not because I think ND's defense will be poor. Stroud had a few hiccup games last year but he's proven himself quite a dangerous passer. I did not like seeing how good he was in the bowl game against Utah without Olave and Wilson.

That said I do the exact same thing as you. Stay pessimistic and assume the worst so I don't get too upset about the outcome.

If I'm wrong though and ND pulls it off I will happily come back to quote this post and laugh at how stupid I am.

 

[Dale]

I did not like seeing how good he was in the bowl game against Utah without Olave and Wilson.

I don’t know how much you can takeaway on Stroud/WRs beating up on a FR backup RB trying to play CB.

 

[IRISHDODGER]

Patterson will play is my guess. He can take the next 4-5 weeks off.

Yeah let's throw in the towel. We just want to cover the spread. Let's play to keep it close.

To hell with that. I want to see the Irish come out throwing haymakers on both sides of the ball. Hit Stroud as many times as possible, until he's hobbling around demoralized and in a daze.

Some of our fans suffer from the worst kind of mediocre Stockholm syndrome

Take it up w/ the BGI writers then...and they’re not supposed to be “fans”…they’re supposed to be beat reporters &/or analysts. Programs w/ hopeless homers covering them is gross (i.e., USC)

 

[Some Irish Bloke]

They shouldn’t rush him b/c he could make things worse and be lost for the season (and affect his NFL stock). Kristofic should be able to hold down the position for one game. It sucks but (from reading what ND talking heads are saying) this is one of those games that ND’s best bet is to not get blown out. I know the kids & coaching staff don’t feel that way but it’s true. How many Irish starters would start for ND and vice versa?

I really don't understand this sentiment. I know the odds are long from out outside perspective but this is an OSU team that lost to Oregon at home last year and got run off the field against scUM. Utah is a damn good football team and really should've beaten them in the Rose Bowl if not for a catastrophic 2nd half meltdown, not unlike ours against Oklahoma St.

I'm not scared of playing OSU in the shoe. I understand it will be a crazy atmosphere but Buchner has playing experience, I don't think the lights are going to be shining as brightly for him as people think. Oregon and scUM beat these guys last year due to their suspect defense, and we have the boys defensively to keep our offense in this. Outside of those two losses, people are quick to forget that Minnesota, Penn State and even Nebraska (!) gave pOSU all they could handle last year.

If posters really think ND is less talented than any of these aforementioned teams, idk what to tell you.

I'm pretty optimistic about our chances here. If our D can keep them under 30, which I think is a real possibility, I like our odds.

 

[Some Irish Bloke]

VERY curious to know if my people on here really think we will beat OSU , on the road, prime time???

I must admit, I deff trend to the pessimistic side of things, for my own “emotional protection”, so I’m gladdd to be talked to the other side !! (PLEASE)

I'll get you your prediction poll next week and we will see how many people believe lol

 

[Hammer Of The Gods]

VERY curious to know if my people on here really think we will beat OSU , on the road, prime time???

I must admit, I deff trend to the pessimistic side of things, for my own “emotional protection”, so I’m gladdd to be talked to the other side !! (PLEASE)

I'm with you. Way to much against us in that atmosphere...I was at the OSU-Penn State game last year...crowd was a huge factor. Penn State's sideline was a wreck (I was right behind their bench) You can't hear shit but that damn DJ and there sound system that you can hear across state lines.

I'm not saying it can't be done. But we have to be flawless.

 

[Irish#1]

I really don't understand this sentiment. I know the odds are long from out outside perspective but this is an OSU team that lost to Oregon at home last year and got run off the field against scUM. Utah is a damn good football team and really should've beaten them in the Rose Bowl if not for a catastrophic 2nd half meltdown, not unlike ours against Oklahoma St.

I'm not scared of playing OSU in the shoe. I understand it will be a crazy atmosphere but Buchner has playing experience, I don't think the lights are going to be shining as brightly for him as people think. Oregon and scUM beat these guys last year due to their suspect defense, and we have the boys defensively to keep our offense in this. Outside of those two losses, people are quick to forget that Minnesota, Penn State and even Nebraska (!) gave pOSU all they could handle last year.

If posters really think ND is less talented than any of these aforementioned teams, idk what to tell you.

I'm pretty optimistic about our chances here. If our D can keep them under 30, which I think is a real possibility, I like our odds.

Agree. He played in a crazy environment at VT, so it won't be completely foreign to him.

 

[Irish#1]

I'm with you. Way to much against us in that atmosphere...I was at the OSU-Penn State game last year...crowd was a huge factor. Penn State's sideline was a wreck (I was right behind their bench) You can't hear shit but that damn DJ and there sound system that you can hear across state lines.

I'm not saying it can't be done. But we have to be flawless.

I'm not sure about flawless, but we need to win the TO battle and make them pay for theirs. If we fumble or throw an INT, it needs to be on their side of the field where they can't take advantage of it in 1 or 2 plays.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

Agree. He played in a crazy environment at VT, so it won't be completely foreign to him.

That VT game was huge, for a lot of reasons. Very thankful he got that experience. The other "appearances" were nice, but nothing more than change of pace "dipping your toes in". VT was a baptism by fire for him. Especially considering he didn't even have a full playbook to work with. I think he did an outstanding job that game (sans the rookie INT, the other not as brutal). Also, had no Michael Mayer that game.

 

[tko]

375-6

 

[ThePiombino]

Singer thinks Buchner is a mediocre talent and will be inconsistent all season. I’m hoping fan boy Driskell is right on this one.

Singer is a clown who also believes Angeli is a unicorn. No offense to the kid, but he's clearly not.

There are posters on this board who have seen Buchner live more than Singer.

I repeat - Singer is a clown.

 

[irishff1014]

Just putting these facts here without commentary. Ohio State's Out of Conference record against ranked teams (and 1 unranked Power 5 team) over the last 10 Septembers. Noted are rankings at the time of the game, not end of season.

2021: Oregon(#12) 35 - OSU(#4) 28 @ OSU
2020: COVID
2019: None
2018: OSU(#4) 40 - TCU (#15) 28 @ OSU - note: TCU would finish the season 7-6
2017: Oklahoma(#5) 31 - OSU(#2) 16 @ OSU
2016: OSU(#3) 45 - Oklahoma(#14) 24 @ Oklahoma
2015: None
2014: Virginia Tech (unranked) 35 - OSU(#8) 21 @ OSU
2013: None
2012: None

OSU's September record against ranked (and unranked but good VTech team) OOC teams at home over the last decade is 1W - 3L with that lone win over what turned out to be an average TCU team.

Nice work!

 

[Irish#1]

375-6

Irish by 369? I like!

 

[ACamp1900]

375-6

 

[BilboBaggins]

Sorry, no optimism from me on this one. I think OSU's offense is gonna be way too much to handle - and that's not because I think ND's defense will be poor. Stroud had a few hiccup games last year but he's proven himself quite a dangerous passer. I did not like seeing how good he was in the bowl game against Utah without Olave and Wilson.

That said I do the exact same thing as you. Stay pessimistic and assume the worst so I don't get too upset about the outcome.

If I'm wrong though and ND pulls it off I will happily come back to quote this post and laugh at how stupid I am.

If ND pulls this off, there is a 100% chance I will cry tears of joy.

But it's more likely that Buchner shits the bed and OSU stomps ND 31-3.

This is just a bad match-up for ND. I *want* to tell myself that Buchner and option football will be a great equalizer. But let's be real OSU is going to put seven in the box and make Buchner win the game...in a night game in Ohio Stadium. ND does not have a WR corp that can get separation, and are we really expecting Buchner to be able to go through his reads like a seasoned pro? I think Rees could have a great game plan but OSU adjusts and the ND offense grinds to a hault.

 

[Dale]

Anthony Brown, Cade McNamara, Cam Rising. The last 3 QBs to put up 35+ on OSU. I get Knowles will have a positive impact, I don’t quite get the sense that OSU can just decide to be good on D.

Scoring 3 points? That’s borderline insulting to suggest that’s more likely than a W.

 

[Some Irish Bloke]

If ND pulls this off, there is a 100% chance I will cry tears of joy.

But it's more likely that Buchner shits the bed and OSU stomps ND 31-3.

This is just a bad match-up for ND. I *want* to tell myself that Buchner and option football will be a great equalizer. But let's be real OSU is going to put seven in the box and make Buchner win the game...in a night game in Ohio Stadium. ND does not have a WR corp that can get separation, and are we really expecting Buchner to be able to go through his reads like a seasoned pro? I think Rees could have a great game plan but OSU adjusts and the ND offense grinds to a hault.

You don't think a WR group of Lenzy, Styles or Merriweather, coupled with the best TE in the country and a RB like Chris Tyree, who can also split out, can gain separation against the 38th ranked overall defense, and 87th ranked passing defense, from 2021?

 

[NorthDakota]

If ND pulls this off, there is a 100% chance I will cry tears of joy.

But it's more likely that Buchner shits the bed and OSU stomps ND 31-3.

This is just a bad match-up for ND. I *want* to tell myself that Buchner and option football will be a great equalizer. But let's be real OSU is going to put seven in the box and make Buchner win the game...in a night game in Ohio Stadium. ND does not have a WR corp that can get separation, and are we really expecting Buchner to be able to go through his reads like a seasoned pro? I think Rees could have a great game plan but OSU adjusts and the ND offense grinds to a hault.

If ND scores 3 points against Ohio State it means we have a not very good team.

 

[laughingirish90]

after watching podcasts this past month on youtube from both irish and buckeye insiders or beat writers i think it'll be a 27-24 score with someone hitting a game winning field goal in the 4th qtr. both defenses will play just well enough but again a field goal wins it in the 4th and good luck beating either team the rest of the season

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

If ND pulls this off, there is a 100% chance I will cry tears of joy.

But it's more likely that Buchner shits the bed and OSU stomps ND 31-3.

This is just a bad match-up for ND. I *want* to tell myself that Buchner and option football will be a great equalizer. But let's be real OSU is going to put seven in the box and make Buchner win the game...in a night game in Ohio Stadium. ND does not have a WR corp that can get separation, and are we really expecting Buchner to be able to go through his reads like a seasoned pro? I think Rees could have a great game plan but OSU adjusts and the ND offense grinds to a hault.

If our OL is even half of what the beat is saying they are, 7 in the box won't be enough with Buchner. There are too many assignments that can be missed. If they jam 8 in the box, can Buchner hit guys 1 on 1 downfield. It's as simple as that.

I'm not full blown Kool-aid over here, in fact I'm down right nervous about tOSU's offense but there is no way they are holding us to 3 by putting 7 in the box. Our 5 OL plus AA TE should be able to make some lanes. I guess we only have two weeks until we get some answers.

 

[NDty9]

I'll get you your prediction poll next week and we will see how many people believe lol

Haha sounds good, ill be interested to see. Seems like more people than i was hoping, agree with my pessimism.

But mannnnnn do i want to go out there and kick the shittttt out of those arrogant fucks !

 

[Some Irish Bloke]

What’s the intel over on the Bucknuts boards? Are they like IE and think they got this game handedly?

They're pOSU fans, of course they think they're going to win handily. They're all a bunch of jackasses lol

 

[BilboBaggins]

Anthony Brown, Cade McNamara, Cam Rising. The last 3 QBs to put up 35+ on OSU. I get Knowles will have a positive impact, I don’t quite get the sense that OSU can just decide to be good on D.

Scoring 3 points? That’s borderline insulting to suggest that’s more likely than a W.

It's not that OSU will be great on defense, but they have elite talent to play with so they *might* be good. It's that Notre Dame's quarterback play is a HUGE variable and the same shortcomings of previous years are still here: lack of interior run game (Patterson being hurt doesn't help) and a WR corp that cannot get separation.

I pulled the 31-3 out of my ass as a reference to the Clemson playoff game wherein the Irish were beat 30-3. Is Ohio State's defense Clemson good? Hell no. But I think the Notre Dame offense could be ranked around 50ish if Buchner doesn't show significant passing improvement from his true freshman campaign.

Everyone wants to say Knowles won't turn it around immediately... but are we to forget that Notre Dame was 79th in rushing ypg last season?

I'm a Doubting Thomas for Notre Dame's offense until proven otherwise. I think OSU can guard WRs one-on-one well enough to blitz Buchner and/or stack the box. It's pretty obvious that Rees has to get the TEs and RBs split out so much to take pressure off of this inevitable defensive mindset. But great, you've split Mayer and RBs out, can Buchner actually go through his reads under the pressure they will bring? It's just a lot to ask and I would not be surprised if they fell flat on their face week one.

 

[benneboy]

It's not that OSU will be great on defense, but they have elite talent to play with so they *might* be good. It's that Notre Dame's quarterback play is a HUGE variable and the same shortcomings of previous years are still here: lack of interior run game (Patterson being hurt doesn't help) and a WR corp that cannot get separation.

I pulled the 31-3 out of my ass as a reference to the Clemson playoff game wherein the Irish were beat 30-3. Is Ohio State's defense Clemson good? Hell no. But I think the Notre Dame offense could be ranked around 50ish if Buchner doesn't show significant passing improvement from his true freshman campaign.

Everyone wants to say Knowles won't turn it around immediately... but are we to forget that Notre Dame was 79th in rushing ypg last season?

I'm a Doubting Thomas for Notre Dame's offense until proven otherwise. I think OSU can guard WRs one-on-one well enough to blitz Buchner and/or stack the box. It's pretty obvious that Rees has to get the TEs and RBs split out so much to take pressure off of this inevitable defensive mindset. But great, you've split Mayer and RBs out, can Buchner actually go through his reads under the pressure they will bring? It's just a lot to ask and I would not be surprised if they fell flat on their face week one.

Not sure how many 'reads' Buchner is going to have to go through when he sees Michael Mayer or Chris Tyree lined up against Tommy Eichenberg.

 

[Dale]

It's not that OSU will be great on defense, but they have elite talent to play with so they *might* be good.

NDs starting offense averages .94 in the 247 Composite.

It's that Notre Dame's quarterback play is a HUGE variable and the same shortcomings of previous years are still here: lack of interior run game (Patterson being hurt doesn't help) and a WR corp that cannot get separation.

OSUs roster presents the same possible shortcomings as previous years as well.

I pulled the 31-3 out of my ass as a reference to the Clemson playoff game wherein the Irish were beat 30-3. Is Ohio State's defense Clemson good? Hell no. But I think the Notre Dame offense could be ranked around 50ish if Buchner doesn't show significant passing improvement from his true freshman campaign.

Not happening. ND was 20th in SP+ O last year with all these issues you mention. The drop 100% will not be close to 50th, if there is one.

Everyone wants to say Knowles won't turn it around immediately... but are we to forget that Notre Dame was 79th in rushing ypg last season?

I'm a Doubting Thomas for Notre Dame's offense until proven otherwise. I think OSU can guard WRs one-on-one well enough to blitz Buchner and/or stack the box.
It's pretty obvious that Rees has to get the TEs and RBs split out so much to take pressure off of this inevitable defensive mindset. But great, you've split Mayer and RBs out, can Buchner actually go through his reads under the pressure they will bring? It's just a lot to ask and I would not be surprised if they fell flat on their face week one.

If they are loading the box and playing man (a massive weakness of their D recently) the reads will be easy. NDs offense I expect will have very little multi progression anyways. Don’t really get that theoretical.

I get doubting Buchner and certainly don’t expect us to waltz into Columbus, but I also don’t get going full glass empty view of ND offensively and a pretty generous benefit to OSU defensively.

 

[greyhammer90]

I get doubting Buchner and certainly don’t expect us to waltz into Columbus, but I also don’t get going full glass empty view of ND offensively and a pretty generous benefit to OSU defensively.

I think expecting the worst and being pleasantly surprised is a defensive mechanism used by a lot of posters here. I'm expecting a heartbreaker of a loss, and that's somehow less fun than "we don't have a chance in hell... but maybe?"

 

[MacIrish75]

I’ve just stopped going into the season with any expectations the last couple of years. The 2016 Texas game put me over the edge.