Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Ohio State Buckeyes 9/3/22 - College Football Picks & Predictions

Last Updated: 08/24/2022 at 9:01 PM ET

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish visit Columbus, Ohio on September 3rd to play the Ohio State Buckeyes in the opening game of the 2022 college football regular season for both. Marcus Freeman is the new head coach for Notre Dame and Tyler Buchner will be the new starting quarterback for the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame's offensive line is loaded with talent and will have a full-year of experience under its belt when starting the season.

The running attack for Notre Dame was below average last season, averaging only 4.1 yards per carry. This season the running game will be led by QB Buchner as well as Chris Tyree, the leading running back. The passing game is not expected to be the focal point of the offense. Michael Mayer returns after catching 71 passes for 840 yards with seven touchdowns. Also returning is Lorenzo Styles who is expected to have a breakout season.

Ohio State is expected to battle for a spot in the college football playoff. Last season, the Buckeyes were 11-2 overall and 8-1 in Big Ten play. CJ Stroud returns as the starting quarterback for Ohio State after last season passing for 4,435 yards with 44 touchdowns and six interceptions. The offensive line was excellent in pass protection last season and helped the Buckeyes have a strong ground game and enough returning players will make the line one of the best in the Big Ten again this season.

The ground game will be led by TreyVeon Henderson. Last season Henderson rushed for 1,255 yards with 15 touchdowns while also having 312 yards receiving and four touchdowns. The receiver corps will be led by Jaxon Smith-Njigba while Marvin Harrison Jr and Emeka Egubuka will also see plenty of action. Joe Royer and Cade Stover will be the top two tight ends for the Buckeyes. 

Ohio State will start the season with a victory at home over Notre Dame but the Fighting Irish will keep the score close enough to cover the more than two-touchdown spread. Notre Dame is under the tutelage of a new head coach in Marcus Freeman as well as a new quarterback but the defense for Notre Dame is the key as the Fighting Irish have several players returning from last season and an NFL caliber secondary. Final Score Prediction, Ohio State wins but falls short ATS 34-23.

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