It’s become a tradition at 11W in big games to pick out 12 players who could determine the outcome of the contest.
With Ohio State playing for the national championship on Monday against Notre Dame, you didn’t expect anything less, did you?
We’ve singled out 12 athletes that could largely dictate how the national championship plays out — six on both sides — and highlighted them below.
Quarterback Will Howard
Howard looked like a finely-tuned machine in the Buckeyes’ first two playoff games, then ran into a bit of resistance against Texas. Yet, Howard led a go-ahead drive for the Buckeyes in the fourth quarter when it mattered most. Howard will once again face a loaded defense in Notre Dame, which presents a variety of challenges. The matchup for Howard here could be particularly intriguing if the Fighting Irish opt to stay in man coverage for the majority of the time, as Howard has been one of the best quarterbacks in college football against man coverage this season.
Quarterback Riley Leonard
Leonard hasn’t been a world-beater for the Fighting Irish this season, but he’s made a variety of big plays when it matters most this season. Nobody is going to mistake Leonard for former Fighting Irish legend Joe Montana as a passer, but he can change the dynamic of a game with his scrambling ability. Ohio State has been dominant against the run defensively this season, but dealing with a mobile quarterback of this caliber may be a different wrinkle for OSU.
Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith
Smith was unstoppable in OSU’s first two postseason games, then was largely held in check by Texas. The Longhorns bracketed Smith all evening, holding him to a single catch on three yards. It’s unclear how the Fighting Irish will opt to defend Smith Monday, but it’s a good bet they’ll often assign help on Smith wherever he goes. If he’s left one-on-one against Notre Dame’s defensive backs, expect Howard to take plenty of shots to the biggest playmaker on the Buckeyes’ roster.
Safety Xavier Watts
This contest will feature two of the most elite safeties in the country, Caleb Downs on OSU’s side, and Xavier Watts with the Fighting Irish. Watts has arguably been Notre Dame’s best player defensively and has recorded six interceptions and eight pass deflections this season. Watts will be instrumental for the Fighting Irish in trying to limit OSU’s high-flying passing attack, and he can be deployed in a few different ways.
Defensive tackle Tyleik Williams
Considering the run game is the bread and butter of Notre Dame’s offense, having a dominating presence on the interior seems important. Williams will be instrumental in plugging holes across the line of scrimmage and keeping the Fighting Irish behind the sticks.
Running back Jeremiyah Love
Love may be one of the best running backs in college football, but he’s dealt with both the flu and a minor knee injury the past few weeks. When fully healthy, Love is capable of taking any carry the distance, and elevates Notre Dame’s offense that much more. How effective Love is on Monday may dictate how competitive the national championship is.
Defensive end Jack Sawyer
After reading that heartfelt Player’s Tribune article from Sawyer earlier this week, you can’t not include Sawyer here. The Pickerington product has been a wrecking ball this postseason and has found ways to take over all three games. He only has one more to go to cement his status as one of the all-time OSU greats in postseason lore.
Offensive tackle Charles Jagusah (or whoever plays left tackle)
Notre Dame received some unfortunate news earlier this week when Marcus Freeman revealed starting left tackle Anthonie Knapp won’t be able to suit up for the Fighting Irish in the national championship after suffering an injury in the semifinals against Penn State. Freeman hinted Jagusah may be the next man up at that position. OSU of all teams isn’t going to feel sorry for anyone having to piecemeal an offensive line together, but Jagusah will be tasked with limiting either Sawyer or JT Tuimoloau off the edge. Not an easy task for anyone, but especially not for someone thrust into the fire.
Running back Quinshon Judkins
We’re going with Judkins here, but this could apply equally to TreVeyon Henderson. While Notre Dame’s pass defense has been its bread and butter, the Fighting Irish are a bit susceptible to the ground game, allowing 133 rushing yards per contest. With the injuries across Notre Dame’s defensive line, opportunities may be there for OSU’s ground game to take advantage.
Cornerback Leonard Moore
Moore has had a dominating freshman season, as he just earned FWAA Defensive Freshman of The Year honors. Moore, or perhaps Christian Gray, will have the task of guarding Smith, or Emeka Egbuka or Carnell Tate. Moore has had a breakthrough campaign, but he’ll face his toughest task of the year Monday.
Linebacker Cody Simon
Simon is always pivotal to Ohio State’s defense, but he’ll be even more crucial on Monday considering Leonard’s scrambling ability. Simon may be used to spy on Leonard at times, and he’ll be instrumental in chasing the speedy signal caller down.
Linebacker Jack Kiser
Kiser is Notre Dame’s leading tackler and he’ll be crucial for the Fighting Irish in trying to help limit Ohio State’s running game. This season, Kiser recorded 85 tackles, two sacks, a pass deflection, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
