Blog Article

Ohio State’s Championship Quest – Inside the Buckeye’s 2024 Campaign

Mark Haines on January 18, 2025

The Buckeyes’ 13-2 season demonstrates how, when properly deployed, elite talent can overcome almost any obstacle.

An Aerial Assault That Commands Respect

Will Howard transformed Ohio State’s passing game into one of college football’s most lethal weapons.

The numbers tell the story of aerial dominance:

265.1 passing yards per game
71% completion rate
35 passing touchdowns
Two 900+ yard receivers (Smith: 1,227, Egbuka: 947)
14 touchdowns from Smith alone
10 scores from Egbuka

This passing attack kept defensive coordinators awake at night.

Ground Game: The Perfect Complement

While the passing game grabbed headlines, Ohio State’s rushing attack quietly devastated opponents.

The two-headed monster in the backfield produced consistently:

TreVeyon Henderson: 967 yards at 7.3 yards per carry
Quinshon Judkins: 960 yards at 5.2 yards per carry
Combined for 22 rushing touchdowns
Team average of 163.2 rushing yards per game
The perfect balance to keep defenses honest
Exceptional ability to close out games

This rushing attack turned good drives into great ones.

A Defense Built on Disruption

Ohio State’s defense didn’t just stop opponents – it broke their will to compete.

The defensive dominance showed in multiple ways:

Only 89.9 rushing yards allowed per game
Held runners to 2.7 yards per carry
Generated 51 sacks (led by J.T. Tuimoloau’s 11.5)
Created 111 tackles for loss
Limited opponents to 12 rushing touchdowns all season
Consistently dominated the line of scrimmage

This unit transformed pressure into production.

The Day Factor: Strategic Evolution

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day reacts to a replay during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

Ryan Day’s approach to game management reveals a coach willing to adapt and innovate.

His impact manifested in several key areas:

Increased deep passing plays to 15% in playoffs
Implemented the crucial “middle eight” minutes strategy
Moved offensive coordinator to the press box
Created specific roles for key transfers
Developed new film study protocols
Built a “no bad days” culture

Results proved the effectiveness of these changes.

Playoff Performance That Demanded Attention

Ohio State’s postseason run showcased their ability to elevate their game when it mattered most.

Critical adjustments defined their playoff success:

Increased vertical passing attack
Strategic player rotation to maintain freshness
Enhanced coordinator collaboration
Systematic in-game adjustments
Improved third-down conversion rate
Superior momentum management

Each game revealed new depths to their capabilities.

Areas of Concern

Even championship contenders have their vulnerabilities.

Nervous young Latin man using TV remote control on home couch, feeling annoyed, angry, concerned, watching football match, show, getting problems with broadcasting

Key weaknesses that need addressing:

Red zone efficiency (73.3% field goal conversion)
Pass protection issues, especially after key injuries
Secondary vulnerabilities (59.8% completion percentage allowed)
Fourth-quarter defensive fatigue
Below-average punt return game (9.0 yards per return)
Conservative tendencies in crucial moments

These issues provide clear focus areas for improvement.

The Day Difference

Ryan Day’s unique approach to game management sets Ohio State apart.

His distinctive strategies include:

Reframing bye weeks as “improvement weeks”
Increasing playoff game personal involvement
Implementing systematic player rotation
Using innovative analysis tools
Creating accountability systems
Maintaining consistent practice habits

This methodology has proven both effective and controversial.

The Championship Formula

Success in modern college football requires both innovation and tradition.

Ohio State’s formula :

Elite talent development
Strategic adaptability
Cultural consistency
Tactical innovation
Physical dominance
Mental toughness

One question remains: Will this be enough to claim college football’s ultimate prize?

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Notre Dame’s Path to the National Championship Game

Mark Haines on January 17, 2025

Notre Dame’s Path to the National Championship Game: A 2024 Season Analysis

Notre Dame’s remarkable 14-1 season proves that championship-caliber teams are built on resilience, not perfection.

The Numbers That Define Greatness

One shocking early-season loss to Northern Illinois sparked a historic 13-game winning streak that would carry the Fighting Irish to the national championship game.

The season’s defining statistics tell the story:

405.1 yards of total offense per game
37.0 points scored per game
31 forced turnovers (led FBS)
14.3 points allowed per game (2nd in FBS)
5 wins over ranked opponents
13 consecutive victories

These numbers only scratch the surface of Notre Dame’s dominance.

A Ground Game That Wouldn’t Be Stopped

The Irish rushing attack terrorized defenses with a three-headed monster that few teams could contain.

Consider the devastating ground assault:

Jeremiyah Love: Exploded for 1,122 yards at 7.1 yards per carry, punching in 17 touchdowns
Jadarian Price: Added 733 yards at 6.3 yards per carry with 7 scores
Riley Leonard: The dual-threat QB contributed 866 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns

This relentless ground game opened up opportunities through the air.

Surgical Precision in the Passing Game

While not prolific in volume, Notre Dame’s aerial attack struck with remarkable efficiency.

The passing game’s success came from precision and balance:

Riley Leonard completed 66.4% of his passes for 2,606 yards and 19 TDs
Three receivers topped 350 yards: Collins (458), Greathouse (464), and Evans (369)
Only 8 interceptions thrown in 413 attempts
Steve Angeli provided reliable backup play with 3 TDs and zero turnovers

This efficiency compensated for a relative lack of explosive plays.

A Defense That Suffocated Dreams

Notre Dame’s defense didn’t just stop opponents – it broke their will to compete.

The defensive dominance manifested in multiple ways:

Allowed only 165.3 passing yards per game (2nd nationally)
Forced 31 turnovers to lead FBS
Held opponents to 3.7 yards per carry
Permitted just 14 rushing touchdowns in 15 games
Limited quarterbacks to a 50.7% completion rate

Xavier Watts led this defensive masterpiece with 6 interceptions.

The Freeman Factor: Coaching Excellence

Marcus Freeman’s strategic brilliance transformed Notre Dame from talented to elite.

His impact showed in several key areas:

Aggressive defensive schemes that created havoc
A balanced offensive approach that kept defenses guessing
Superior player development, especially in the secondary
Clutch game management in critical moments
Exceptional ability to rally the team after setbacks

The results speak for themselves.

Season-Defining Victories

Five games shaped Notre Dame’s championship run.

These pivotal moments revealed the team’s character:

Opening statement win at Texas A&M (23-13)
Bounce-back victory over #15 Louisville (31-24)
Dominant win over rival USC (49-35)
Sugar Bowl triumph over #2 Georgia (23-10)
Orange Bowl Classic against #5 Penn State (27-24)

Each victory added another chapter to this historic season.

Room for Growth

Even championship contenders have areas for improvement.

The key weaknesses to address:

Limited explosive plays in the passing game (80th in 10+ yard passes)
Offensive line consistency (38 sacks allowed)
Field goal reliability (57.7% success rate)
Depth concerns at key positions
Red zone efficiency could improve

These shortcomings provide clear opportunities for Ohio State during the National Championship game.

The Path Forward

Notre Dame’s 2024 season has set a new standard for excellence in South Bend.

Consider what this means for the program:

Established themselves as legitimate title contenders
Developed a championship-caliber defense
Built a potent, identity-driven offense
Created a culture of resilience
Positioned themselves for sustained success

The foundation is laid for Notre Dame to remain among college football’s elite.

One question remains: Can the Fighting Irish take the final step and claim their first national championship of the playoff era?

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Why Texas will beat Ohio State Tonight

Mark Haines on January 10, 2025

Will tonight’s championship matchup between Texas and Ohio State live up to the hype? All signs point to an instant classic in the making.

The Numbers Tell a Story of Perfect Balance

These two football powerhouses couldn’t be more evenly matched on paper. Texas brings its explosive offense (34.3 points per game) against Ohio State’s suffocating defense (12.1 points allowed). The Buckeyes counter with their offensive firepower (36.4 points per game), while Texas’s defense has been equally stingy (15.7 points allowed).

Breaking Down the Offensive Firepower

When you look closer at the offensive numbers, fascinating patterns emerge:

Texas has shown remarkable consistency in the red zone, converting opportunities into touchdowns at a higher rate than their opponents, with 26 rushing touchdowns showcasing their ability to punch it in when it matters most
The Longhorns’ yards per play in playoff games (6.3) demonstrates their explosive potential, consistently creating big plays that change game momentum
Ohio State counters with their own offensive efficiency, particularly in their passing attack, where Smith and Egbuka have combined for over 2,100 receiving yards
The Buckeyes’ balanced attack keeps defenses guessing, with both Henderson and Judkins approaching 1,000-yard rushing seasons

Defensive Chess Match

The defensive side of the ball could ultimately decide this championship showdown:

Texas’s aggressive defense has created an astounding 30 turnovers this season, nearly double Ohio State’s total of 17
The Longhorns’ front seven has consistently generated pressure without needing to blitz, allowing their secondary to focus on coverage
Ohio State’s defensive strength lies in their ability to limit big plays, holding opponents to just 244.6 total yards per game
The Buckeyes’ red zone defense has been particularly impressive, forcing teams to settle for field goals rather than touchdowns

The Transfer Portal’s Hidden Impact

Behind the scenes, the transfer portal has quietly reshaped both rosters heading into this matchup:

Ohio State’s offensive line depth has been particularly affected, with the loss of three linemen, including starter Zen Michalski, potentially impacting their protection schemes
The quarterback situation for the Buckeyes becomes precarious with the departures of both Devin Brown and Air Noland, leaving little room for error
Texas has managed its secondary losses well, maintaining defensive depth despite the departures of Thompson and Catalon
Both teams have shown remarkable resilience in adapting their game plans to account for these personnel changes

The Quarterback Showdown

The battle under center could be one for the history books:

Quinn Ewers has evolved into a complete quarterback for Texas, throwing for 3,189 yards and 29 touchdowns while completing over 66% of his passes
His ability to extend plays and find receivers downfield has been crucial in Texas’s playoff run
Will Howard brings his own impressive resume with 3,490 yards and 32 touchdowns, showing particular strength in reading defensive coverages
Both quarterbacks have shown remarkable poise in crucial moments, with neither throwing an interception in playoff competition

Performance Against Elite Competition

When facing ranked opponents, clear patterns emerge:

Texas has averaged 34.8 points against ranked teams, showing their offense can produce against any level of competition
The Longhorns’ defensive front has been particularly dominant, creating pressure on 37% of passing downs against ranked opponents
Ohio State has demonstrated slight struggles against elite teams, averaging 31.5 points against ranked opponents
The Buckeyes’ running game has seen a noticeable dip in production against ranked teams, averaging 156 yards compared to their season-average

The X-Factor: Turnover Battle

One key statistic jumps off the page: Texas’s ability to create turnovers. With 30 takeaways compared to Ohio State’s 17, the Longhorns’ opportunistic defense could be the difference-maker in a close game.

Prediction: Texas by a Horn

In a game this evenly matched, small advantages loom large. Texas’s superior turnover margin, more balanced offensive attack, and stronger defensive front seven pressure should prove decisive. Look for a classic championship battle, with Texas emerging victorious, 31-27.

The championship trophy will be decided by which team can impose its will in crucial moments. Texas’s momentum and defensive playmaking ability give them the slightest edge in what promises to be an unforgettable title game.

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Notre Dame vs Penn State: A Clash of Titans in the Orange Bowl Semi Final

Mark Haines on January 8, 2025

Thursday, January 9, 2025 | 7:30 p.m. ET

No. 7 Notre Dame vs. No. 6 Penn State

Hard Rock Stadium | Miami Gardens, Florida

In a season where both teams have proven their mettle with identical 13-1 records, Thursday’s College Football Playoff semifinal between Notre Dame and Penn State promises to be a defensive masterclass with championship implications.

The Tale of Two Defenses

Penn State’s defensive unit has been extraordinary this season, holding opponents to a mere 288.8 yards per game. But numbers only tell part of the story.

Their rush defense has been particularly suffocating, allowing just 100.9 yards per game on the ground, forcing teams to abandon their running game early.
With 39 sacks on the season (2.6 per game), they’ve consistently made quarterbacks uncomfortable in the pocket.
The uncertain status of star pass rusher Abdul Carter could impact their defensive prowess, though their depth has been a strength all year.

Notre Dame’s defense matches up impressively, yielding only 295.4 yards per game, with a knack for game-changing plays.

Their opportunistic defense has created 31 takeaways this season, including 18 interceptions.
Safety Xavier Watts has been a ball hawk, securing six interceptions and creating havoc in the secondary.
The loss of cornerback Benjamin Morrison could test their secondary depth against Penn State’s passing attack

Offensive Philosophy: A Study in Contrasts

When Penn State has the ball, expect a balanced attack that keeps defenses guessing.

Quarterback Drew Allar has been efficient and explosive, throwing for 3,192 yards with 24 touchdowns and only seven interceptions.
Running back Nicholas Singleton has been a force, accumulating 1,015 yards and 14 total touchdowns.
Their 436.3 yards per game come from a near-perfect balance of 234.1 passing and 202.2 rushing yards.

Notre Dame’s offense tells a different story, built on a punishing ground game and dual-threat capability.

Transfer quarterback Riley Leonard has been a revelation, passing for 2,383 yards and 18 touchdowns while adding 831 rushing yards
Running back Jeremiyah Love leads the ground assault with 1,076 yards and 18 total touchdowns.
Their 406.6 yards per game lean heavily on the run, averaging 217.5 rushing yards per contest.

The X-Factor: Special Teams and Field Position

Special teams might be the difference-maker in a game that could come down to the finest margins.

Notre Dame holds a slight edge in kickoff returns, averaging 23.9 yards compared to Penn State’s 21.2
Penn State’s kicking game could be compromised with Sander Sahaydak’s status uncertain
Field position battles could prove crucial in what promises to be a defensive struggle

The Prediction

When two evenly matched teams collide, the most minor details often determine the outcome. Penn State’s balanced offensive attack and elite defense give them a slight edge, but Notre Dame’s ability to create turnovers and control the ground game keeps this incredibly close.

Final Score Prediction: Penn State 23, Notre Dame 20

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The Chess Match: Two Coaches, Two Programs, One Bowl Game Collision – SMU at Penn State

Mark Haines on December 20, 2024

Nobody expected SMU’s Rhett Lashlee to pull off what might be college football’s most remarkable transformation story of 2023.

In just three years, Lashlee has engineered what old-guard football minds considered impossible:

Transforming a middling SMU program into an 11-2 powerhouse
Dominating their inaugural ACC season with swagger and style
Accumulating a jaw-dropping 21-3 conference record that has athletic directors nationwide reaching for their checkbooks

The Established Empire Watches

Meanwhile, in Happy Valley, James Franklin continues orchestrating Penn State’s methodical march toward college football supremacy. His Nittany Lions mirror their coach: disciplined, relentless, and utterly predictable in their pursuit of excellence.

A Tale of Two Systems

What makes this bowl matchup fascinating isn’t just the clash of programs – it’s the statistical symmetry that shouldn’t exist:

The offenses move like twins separated at birth: SMU churning out 443.1 yards per game, Penn State barely ahead at 448.6. But defense? That’s where Franklin’s philosophy reveals itself in cold, hard numbers. His unit surrenders just 282.1 yards per game, while SMU’s gives up 326.1.

The X-Factor That Changes Everything

Here’s where the story takes its dramatic turn. SMU lost quarterback Preston Stone, the architectural centerpiece of their offensive explosion. Into this vacuum steps Kevin Jennings, talented but untested, facing a trial by fire against one of college football’s most sophisticated defensive machines.

The Ground Game Chess Match

Football often reveals its true nature in the running game, and here’s where the contrasts sharpen:

SMU rides Brashard Smith’s explosive 1,270 yards and 14 touchdowns
Penn State counters with a two-headed monster: Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, combining for over 1,600 yards of controlled destruction.

The Final Act

The smart money sees Penn State emerging victorious, 31-17, not because they’re the better program—but because they’re the more complete program at this precise moment in time. The loss of Stone isn’t just about missing a quarterback; it’s about missing the keystone of an offensive architecture that took three years to perfect.

Ultimately, this game might tell us less about who wins and more about where college football is heading. Lashlee’s SMU represents the bold new challengers, while Franklin’s Penn State embodies the power of systematic, year-over-year excellence. And that’s the real story worth watching.

Game at a Glance

Game: SMU at Penn State

Time: Noon Eastern

TV: TNT

	SMU	Penn State
Record	11-2	11-2
Points Per Game	38.54	34.38
Points Allowed	20.85	16.38
Total Offense	443.1 ypg	448.6 ypg
Total Defense	326.1 ypg	282.1 ypg
SRS Rating	16.66 (8th)	17.20 (6th)
Strength of Schedule	2.51 (49th)	4.20 (30th)

Key Personnel Changes

SMU Impact Losses:

QB Preston Stone (3,471 yards, 27 TDs, 9 INTs)
Kevin Jennings steps in (3,050 yards, 22 TDs, 8 INTs)
CB Jahari Rogers
DL Omari Abor

Penn State Impact Losses:

QB Beau Pribula (275 yards, 5 TDs, 242 rushing yards)
Drew Allar remains the starter (2,894 yards, 21 TDs, 7 INTs)

Key Matchups

Quarterback Battle:
Kevin Jennings must lead SMU’s offense against Penn State’s elite defense that allows only 16.38 points per game

Ground Game:

SMU: Brashard Smith (1,270 yards, 5.9 avg, 14 TDs)
Penn State: Nicholas Singleton (838 yards, 6.4 avg, 7 TDs) and Kaytron Allen (822 yards, 4.8 avg, 6 TDs)

Defensive Edge:
Penn State’s defense allows only 103.6 rushing yards per game and has accumulated 33 sacks.

Final Score:

Penn State 31 SMU 17

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