Brady Quinn assesses how Notre Dame can defend Ohio State defensive front

Brady Quinn recognizes it won’t be easy for Notre Dame to control the line-of-scrimmage against Ohio State, as the Fighting Irish offensive line will be facing a monstrous challenge from the Buckeyes.

Still, it could be the difference between victory and defeat when it comes to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. On the latest episode of Always College Football with Greg McElroy, the former Notre Dame star quarterback elaborated on how the program can defend Ohio State’s defensive front.

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“It’s a big question,” Quinn responded, regarding whether Notre Dame’s offensive line can perform against the Ohio State defensive front. “I think Tosh Baker stepped in last week at left tackle. Gave up five pressures, maybe a sack as well. And obviously Jack Sawyer, who made the play of his career with the strip-sack fumble return. Just gives you one instance of what he’s capable of. Then, J.T. Tuimoloau, which as Penn State fans, I think he had maybe the greatest game ever by defensive player in Happy Valley a couple of years ago, so they know all about him. It’s a concern. Mike Denbrock’s going to have to be able to, you know, protect those guys.

“Now, I will say this, if it is Charles Jagusah that ends up playing left tackle, he was slated to be the starter to begin the season. So, you know, I don’t know where his health is at. He played a little bit this past game. If he is ready to go — again, he would embody, I think, what the season’s been, where guys just get thrusted into the position. They go step up, and they play at the highest level. So, if he plays left tackle, I’ve got a lot of faith, because I mean — they were having him to be the guy to start the season. Obviously due to injury, that wasn’t the case. You’d probably feel more confident there.

“Again, giving Tosh Breaker more time to prepare, more time to go out there, study the opponent, and then have a game plan too, where you’re not forcing him to have to always be on islands. You know, you think he could stand up to the task. He’s been there for a long time. He’s a guy who’s a gritty player that I think again, would be up for the task. So, they will have to do some things to game plan around it, I’ll put it this way, regardless. Even with a healthy offensive line.”

While Quinn isn’t super confidence Notre Dame’s offensive line will be up to the task, he believes the Fighting Irish can do some interesting things with their rushing attack to quell any impact the Ohio State defensive line may have.

“There’s the element of the fact that Ohio State has to stop their rushing attack,” Quinn added. “With Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price and Riley Leonard. You and I both know how hard that is to do, when you have to account for the quarterback too.

“And this is one where — I don’t know how many touches Riley Leonard is going to get, but I would say if he gets, over-under rushes at 14.5, I may take the over, because they may try to slow this thing down, make an ugly game, and really rely heavily on their ability to run the football and force Ohio State’s safeties to get nosy and put cornerbacks on islands, and then see if you can’t take a few shots.”

All told, it’ll be fascinating to see if Notre Dame can get the job done, as we’re willing to bet Brady Quinn will be cheering the Fighting Irish hard when Jan. 20 rolls around. They’ll take the field to square off against Ohio State at 7:30 p.m. ET, with the game will airing live on ESPN.