Urban Meyer: Ohio State vs. Notre Dame could be an elimination game in College Football Playoff race

Saturday morning, Urban Meyer got off to a hot start on Big Noon Kickoff with a bold declaration about the winner and loser the upcoming marquee game between Ohio State and Notre Dame.

Brady Quinn, former Notre Dame QB and member of the Big Noon Kickoff panel, explained that he believes both teams will remain in the College Football Playoff picture regardless of who wins and loses. He then pointed out to Meyer that all three of the championship-winning teams he coach suffered a loss early in the year.

Despite such facts, Meyer was quick to retort:

“I disagree. I think there is a showdown. It is an Elimination Saturday in South Bend, Indiana.”

He thinks the result of this single game will drastically alter the CFP odds for both teams.

“You know why, Mark?” he explained to former Alabama running back Mark Ingram, who was sitting next to him.

“Because you look at the back end of those schedules, both of them got really tough schedules at the end of the season. This will expose weaknesses. The loser of that game in South Bend, I don’t think they’ll make the Playoff.”

On the other hand, Meyer sees a CFP appearance in the future of the winning team on Saturday night: “And I think you can mark it in: the winner, they’re gonna go to the Playoff this year.”

BOLD proclamations from the former title-winning coach. Win and you’re likely in, lose and you’re done, says Urban Meyer. As for how the game will unfold, Meyer also shared the key positional matchup he’ll have his eyes on.

“The matchup that I’m concerned about, as a Buckeye, is this: That front seven for Notre Dame is real,” said Meyer. “Who’s been struggling on offense for Ohio State? That offensive line.”

If the OL can’t hold up vs. the ND pass rush, then Meyer loves the Irish in this one. However, if OSU does protect QB Kyle McCord, the Buckeyes could come out with a win.

Watch that and watch it early. If they dominate that line of scrimmage, which is my fear, Notre Dame wins this game. If Ohio State can neutralize it, I think Ohio State wins the game.”

Through just four games, six different Notre Dame players have already registered at least one sack, while nearly every starter on the defense has also gotten in the backfield for a tackle for loss. It’s a group that creates havoc up front and the Buckeye O-line will have their hands full trying to fend them off.