The National Championship Game has reached halftime with the Ohio State Buckeyes holding a resounding 21-7 lead over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. As if matters weren't bad enough for Marcus Freeman's team, Ohio State is set to receive the ball to start the second half as they're clicking on all cylinders.
The Opening Drive gave Notre Dame a ton of hope as the Irish took 10 minutes off the clock running the ball down Ohio State's throat. Since that point, Ohio State has scored on every drive while Notre Dame has gone three and out on each of its drives.
All of the talk leading up to the National Championship Game was Notre Dame fans and the National Media poking fun at Brian Kelly for his comments about leaving Notre Dame.
"I want to be in an environment where I have the resources to win a National Championship"Brian Kelly
For weeks, everyone made fun of Brian Kelly claiming he was the issue but, as things currently stand he appears to be right.
The Fighting Irish defense can't find a way to get off the field on third downs as Ohio State continues to move the chains. It's nearly impossible to get off the field as when you cover Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate or Emeka Egbuka are going to be open. When you shut the Wide Receivers down, Quinshon Judkins, TreVeyon Henderson, or Will Howard can make you pay.
Notre Dame can't find a way to stay on the field following their first drive where they ran the ball at will. That's because Notre Dame doesn't have one difference maker on the outside as good as any of Ohio State's three wide receivers. Notre Dame Wide Receivers have 2 catches for 17 yards, Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, and Emeka Egbuka all have better receiving lines.
Whether it's because of the geographical area where Notre Dame recruits, NIL, or Academic standards Notre Dame has always struggled to find those elite difference makers at receiver and get stuck facing them whenever they faced Alabama in the College Football Playoff.
While Marcus Freeman is a great coach, even scheme often can't make up for the fact that the opponent has more weapons than Notre Dame. The second half could change the tide but, it looks like this game may get out of hand in a flash.