What It Will Take For Ohio State To Beat Notre Dame

Here's what we think it's going to take for the Buckeyes to register a huge top-10 road win Saturday in South Bend.

It's practically Christmas Eve for college football fans across the country. The Week 4 slate of games is arguably the best weekend of games all season long, which will be capped off by the marquee matchup in South Bend that pins Ohio State against Notre Dame.

The Buckeyes feel like the most under-the-microscope program in America. The over-reaction to bad things is sometimes insufferable and when they perform well, it isn't appreciated as well as it should be.

Most teams would kill to have the kind of expectations that Ohio State does each year, but be careful what you wish for.

Regardless, Notre Dame is the kind of program that's capable of exactly that ... and they are poised to take the next step and cement themselves as bonafide national championship contenders if they can pull off a win on Saturday night.

What is it going to take for the Buckeyes to come away with a top-10 road win? How will Kyle McCord handle the biggest test of his career? Can the Buckeye defense slow down Sam Hartman, who is making his 50th collegiate appearance this weekend?

In my opinion, the balance of this game hangs at the line of scrimmage. The impetus lies squarely on each team's defensive line. If Hartman or McCord can stay upright and if they offensive lines can generate some push in the rushing attack, they're going to have a huge advantage. But if either team's defensive line can be truly disruptive, I think both offenses have had instances this year where they've flinched.

But I think I'm even higher on Ohio State's defense than most around the country so far this season ... and I expect them to prove it in a fabulous game on Saturday. My prediction: Ohio State scores a late touchdown to hit the over and cover the spread, 34-24.

Join Brendan Gulick and Anthony Moeglin live every week day morning at 7 AM to talk Ohio State football. The Buckeye Breakdown podcast streams LIVE on YouTube and is available ON-DEMAND wherever you like to find your favorite podcasts all season long.