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Marcus Freeman on facing Ohio State: 'It's gonna be a huge challenge for us'

Untitled design (2)by: Sam Gillenwater07/28/22samdg_33

Marcus Freeman’s Fighting Irish will hit the road and play the Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus for one of the biggest games during week one of the college football season. Dealing with Ohio State on the defensive end is expected to be a challenge for most teams in 2022. Returning players like CJ Stroud, TreVeyon Henderson and Jaxson Smith-Njigba from the nation’s top offense last year is a lot to handle.

The Notre Dame head coach appeared on ESPN’s ‘Get Up’ this morning and said he’s fully aware of the challenge they’ll face. He sang high praises for the offense he’ll be tasked with stifling to start the season.

“A lot of power. (They) have a lot of speed, a lot of execution,” said Freeman. “They’re an extremely good offense and well coached. It’s gonna be a huge challenge for us. We understand that.”

Ohio State’s 594 points, for an average of 45.7 per game, weren’t the only eye-popping stat the Buckeyes posted. They also totaled NCAA bests in yards per game with 561.5 and yards per play at 7.96. The Buckeyes also tied for second in offensive touchdowns with 70 and third in yards with 7,300.

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Marcus Freeman’s team has a defense that can slow that engine down, though. The defensive minded head coach is now in charge of a defense that ranked 15th last season by allowing just 19.7 points per game. Attempting to do so in Ohio Stadium is a lot to take on in a season opener but he believes he has the competitors to pull it off.

“They are so talented but our guys are competitors and they’re up for the challenge. We got some great football players in South Bend and we’re looking forward to the competition,” said Freeman.

Freeman’s team could steal the opening week headlines if Notre Dame can open the year with a win like that. It’d be exactly what the Irish need to justify a College Football Playoff spot down the road. However, first things come first with the challenge they’ll face on September 3rd.