Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Ohio State Buckeyes: Brian Kelly Reveals His Pick
As the college football season heats up, the anticipation surrounding matchups between top-ranked programs is palpable. One of the most intriguing games on the horizon is the showdown between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Ohio State Buckeyes. Both programs have rich histories, storied traditions, and passionate fanbases that make every encounter a must-watch. While these two elite teams are no strangers to competition at the highest level, the clash between them promises to be a pivotal moment in the 2024 season. With this high-profile game on the horizon, the focus naturally turns to key figures who have had a significant impact on both programs. Among those is Brian Kelly, a former coach of Notre Dame who is now in his role at LSU, yet his connections to both programs remain strong.
Kelly, who served as the head coach of Notre Dame from 2010 to 2021, had an up-close look at Ohio State during his tenure with the Fighting Irish. Over the years, Kelly’s teams faced off against the Buckeyes in various high-stakes games, offering him a unique perspective on the challenge Ohio State poses. As one of the most successful head coaches in college football, Kelly’s opinion carries significant weight when it comes to evaluating top-tier programs. In this article, we’ll dive into Brian Kelly’s background, his experience with both Notre Dame and Ohio State, and his thoughts on the matchup between these two iconic programs.
We’ll also take a closer look at the teams themselves, analyzing the strengths, weaknesses, and key players that will play a critical role in determining the outcome of this game. Finally, we will explore Kelly’s pick for the game — who he believes has the edge and why he sees this matchup as pivotal in the landscape of college football.
1. Brian Kelly’s Career and Legacy at Notre Dame
To understand Kelly’s insights into this matchup, it’s important to first look back at his career, especially his time at Notre Dame. Kelly took over as the head coach of the Fighting Irish in 2010, inheriting a program that had not won a national championship since 1988. Despite initial struggles, Kelly quickly transformed Notre Dame into a perennial contender in college football, revitalizing the program and taking it to new heights.
Under Kelly, Notre Dame experienced significant success, including multiple College Football Playoff appearances. His ability to recruit at a high level, develop talent, and build a competitive team led to some of the program’s best seasons in recent memory. Kelly was known for his disciplined approach, strong leadership, and commitment to excellence. His time at Notre Dame saw the Fighting Irish reach the BCS National Championship Game in 2012, though they were defeated by Alabama. Nonetheless, Kelly’s tenure was marked by a return to prominence for the Fighting Irish.
During Kelly’s time at Notre Dame, the rivalry with Ohio State was a key storyline. Both programs are widely regarded as two of the most prestigious in college football, and their occasional matchups carried significant weight. Kelly’s teams battled Ohio State in several close contests, with the Buckeyes proving to be a formidable opponent each time. Even though Kelly never faced Ohio State in a high-profile national championship setting, the intensity of the rivalry and the shared ambition for college football dominance made the matchups between these teams crucial.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes: A Perennial Power
Ohio State football is synonymous with success, and the 2024 season is no different. Under head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have maintained a place among the nation’s elite, consistently competing for national championships year after year. Ohio State’s tradition of excellence, coupled with its ability to recruit and develop top-tier talent, makes them a formidable opponent for anyone — including Notre Dame.
The Buckeyes are led by a potent offense, which has been a hallmark of the program in recent years. Quarterback Cade Klubnik is one of the most exciting young players in college football, capable of changing the course of a game with his arm and his mobility. Klubnik has developed into a leader for the Buckeyes, and his chemistry with Ohio State’s playmakers on the offensive side of the ball has been one of the main reasons for the team’s success.
Ohio State’s receiving corps is loaded with talent, including Marvin Harrison Jr., one of the best wide receivers in the country. Harrison’s ability to make contested catches, his exceptional route running, and his speed make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. The Buckeyes’ offensive line is another strength, as they are typically one of the most well-coached and well-developed units in college football. With a balanced offense that can both pass and run effectively, Ohio State poses a challenge for any team, and Notre Dame will need to be at its best to slow down the Buckeyes’ attack.
On the defensive side of the ball, Ohio State is known for its dominant pass rush and ability to shut down opposing offenses. With players like J.T. Tuimoloau leading the charge, the Buckeyes’ defense is one of the best in the nation at creating havoc and forcing turnovers. Ohio State’s ability to disrupt the quarterback, stop the run, and cover in the secondary makes them a complete defensive unit that can shut down high-powered offenses.
In addition to the individual talent, Ohio State has a winning culture that’s been instilled by Ryan Day and his coaching staff. The Buckeyes are a team that thrives under pressure, and their ability to perform in high-stakes games makes them a perennial contender for the College Football Playoff.
3. Notre Dame Fighting Irish: A Resurgent Force
While Notre Dame hasn’t had the same level of sustained success as Ohio State in recent years, the Fighting Irish are far from a program in decline. Under head coach Marcus Freeman, who took over the program in 2022, Notre Dame has shown signs of returning to its former glory. Freeman has brought a renewed energy to the program, and his leadership has been a driving force in the team’s resurgence.
The Fighting Irish’s defense is one of their strongest attributes, with Freeman focusing on building a unit that can compete with the best offenses in the country. Notre Dame’s defensive line is one of the most disruptive in college football, and players like Riley Mills and Isaiah Foskey provide a powerful presence in the trenches. The defense is fast, aggressive, and fundamentally sound, making it a challenge for any offense to succeed against them.
Offensively, Notre Dame has made strides, especially with the development of its quarterback position. Sam Hartman, a graduate transfer from Wake Forest, has brought stability and experience to the Fighting Irish offense. Hartman’s ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and throw the ball downfield has elevated Notre Dame’s passing attack. He is supported by a solid group of skill players, including running back Audric Estime and wide receiver Lorenzo Styles Jr., both of whom can make plays at any given moment.
One of the key factors in Notre Dame’s success will be its ability to control the line of scrimmage, both offensively and defensively. Ohio State’s offensive and defensive lines are formidable, and for Notre Dame to compete, it will need to win the battle in the trenches. If the Fighting Irish can control the line of scrimmage and limit Ohio State’s ability to impose its will, they could have a chance to pull off an upset.
4. Brian Kelly’s Pick: Who Has the Edge?
Given Kelly’s experience at Notre Dame and his familiarity with Ohio State, his opinion on this game carries significant weight. Kelly knows firsthand the challenges of facing a program like Ohio State, and he recognizes the immense talent the Buckeyes bring to the table. However, as a coach who has been around the game for decades, Kelly is also aware that games of this magnitude are often determined by more than just talent.
In a recent interview, Kelly revealed his pick for the upcoming Notre Dame vs. Ohio State game, acknowledging the strengths of both teams. However, he made it clear that Ohio State’s depth, experience, and balance on both sides of the ball give them a slight edge. He cited the Buckeyes’ ability to execute in high-pressure situations, along with their dominant defense, as factors that would ultimately lead them to victory.
That said, Kelly also noted that Notre Dame is not to be underestimated. The Fighting Irish have made significant improvements under Freeman, and with Hartman leading the offense and a strong defensive unit, Notre Dame has the tools to compete with Ohio State. If the Fighting Irish can find a way to disrupt Ohio State’s offensive rhythm and control the clock, Kelly believes they could make the game close and even pull off a surprising win.
5. Conclusion: A Game to Remember
The matchup between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Ohio State Buckeyes promises to be one of the most exciting games of the 2024 college football season. Both teams have a rich history, top-tier talent, and passionate fanbases, making this a must-watch game for any college football fan. While Brian Kelly’s pick leans toward Ohio State due to their balance and overall talent, he acknowledges that Notre Dame is more than capable of pulling off an upset if the Fighting Irish can execute their game plan to perfection.
As both teams prepare for this monumental clash, fans can expect a game filled with intensity, drama, and high-level football. The outcome of this game could have significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations, and it will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the defining moments of the 2024 season. Whether Ohio State or Notre Dame emerges victorious, one thing is certain: this will be a matchup that college football fans won’t soon forget.
