As the College Football Playoff (CFP) final approaches, Ohio State must remain vigilant and fully prepared for the challenges posed by Notre Dame’s unique style of play. Head coach Marcus Freeman’s squad is known for executing a disciplined, conservative game plan that mirrors the philosophy of former Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel. Commonly referred to as “Tresselball,” this style of football emphasizes strong defense, a controlled running game, and a strategy focused on minimizing mistakes while exploiting the opponent’s vulnerabilities. It is a strategy that, if not carefully managed, could give Notre Dame a significant edge in the CFP final.
At the core of “Tresselball” is a conservative, ball-control offense that doesn’t rely on flashy plays or a high-paced tempo but instead aims to keep the game close and within reach. It is a strategy that leans heavily on winning the battle of field position, forcing the opposition into mistakes, and creating scoring opportunities through a methodical approach rather than explosive plays. Notre Dame has employed elements of this approach with great success, especially in big games where the stakes are high and every mistake can be costly.
Ohio State’s high-powered offense, led by quarterback Kyle McCord and featuring one of the most dynamic receiving corps in the country, will need to adapt to this conservative, clock-eating style of play. The Buckeyes thrive in fast-paced games where they can take advantage of mismatches and generate quick scores. If Notre Dame’s defense and ball-control offense slow the game down and limit Ohio State’s opportunities, the Buckeyes could find themselves in a situation where they are forced to play a more cautious and patient game, one that is not necessarily to their strength.
One of the major factors in Ohio State’s success this season has been its ability to score quickly and put pressure on opposing defenses. The Buckeyes are at their best when they can operate in a rhythm, using tempo and explosive plays to stretch the field. But against Notre Dame, the risk is that they might not get the same opportunities. With Notre Dame’s defense being opportunistic and disciplined, Ohio State’s offense will need to execute flawlessly to avoid getting bogged down in a battle of attrition. Any mistakes, whether it be turnovers, missed field goals, or penalties, could turn into game-changing moments.
Notre Dame’s defense has been known for its ability to force turnovers and take advantage of any offensive mistakes. Under Freeman, the Irish have developed a defense that plays with a high level of discipline, which is a trademark of “Tresselball.” This defense does not give up big plays and forces the offense to earn every yard, and every point. For Ohio State, this means that the Buckeyes cannot afford to take their offensive firepower for granted. In the face of a physical, disciplined defense, Ohio State will need to balance its aggressiveness with caution. Relying on deep shots and big plays could result in turnovers or wasted opportunities, and the Buckeyes might find themselves facing a Notre Dame offense that controls the ball for long stretches.
On the flip side, Notre Dame’s offense, while not flashy, is efficient and can be methodical in its approach. The Irish have shown an ability to wear down defenses by sticking to their run-first mentality, moving the ball downfield with short, consistent gains and forcing defenses to overcommit. Notre Dame’s offensive line has been a key factor in their success, and if they can establish a dominant running game, it could set up manageable third downs and keep Ohio State’s explosive offense off the field. Ohio State’s defense will need to step up in a big way, particularly in stopping the run and forcing Notre Dame into long-yardage situations. If Notre Dame’s offense is allowed to control the clock and convert third downs, Ohio State’s offense will find itself with fewer opportunities to score.
In addition to managing Notre Dame’s offense and defense, Ohio State must also be prepared for the mental aspect of a game played with such tight margins. “Tresselball” is not just a strategy but a mindset—one that emphasizes patience, perseverance, and playing within the system. This philosophy can wear on an opponent, especially one like Ohio State, which might be used to playing in high-stakes, high-scoring environments. If Notre Dame can keep the game close, make Ohio State feel the pressure, and create doubt in the minds of the Buckeyes, the Irish will be in a position to pull off an upset.
The key for Ohio State in this matchup will be staying focused, executing the game plan, and playing within their strengths. The Buckeyes cannot afford to get frustrated if the game isn’t unfolding the way they expect. Playing a “Tresselball” game means limiting mistakes, taking what the defense gives them, and remaining disciplined throughout the four quarters. Ohio State must recognize that a slow, methodical game could favor Notre Dame, so they must look for opportunities to disrupt that rhythm while still maintaining control of their own game.
Ohio State’s special teams play could also play a crucial role. In a game that is likely to feature long drives and field-position battles, winning the field-position war is vital. The Buckeyes must make sure their special teams are efficient, ensuring that they get good returns and are able to pin Notre Dame deep in their own territory when needed. A single mistake, whether on a punt or kickoff return, could flip the game in Notre Dame’s favor.
In conclusion, Ohio State must be wary of Notre Dame’s “Tresselball” strategy as they head into the CFP final. The Irish are well-coached, disciplined, and capable of grinding out games in a way that could neutralize the Buckeyes’ offensive explosiveness. Ohio State will need to stay sharp on both sides of the ball, execute with precision, and avoid getting caught in a slow, methodical game that plays to Notre Dame’s strengths. If the Buckeyes can handle this challenge and find ways to strike quickly while maintaining control of the game, they will put themselves in a strong position to secure the national championship. However, if they underestimate Notre Dame’s approach or fail to adjust, they risk falling victim to a strategy that has proven to be effective against high-octane offenses.