Five Stats That Could Spell the Difference in Ohio State's Game Against Notre Dame

From QBR to Third Down Conversion, We Look at the Statistical Breakdown

When Ohio State and Notre Dame meet on Saturday, it will be a battle between two of the most storied programs in college football. Both teams are coming off of impressive wins in Week 4, and the game is sure to be a close one. Here are five stats that could spell the difference in the outcome:

Passing Efficiency

Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud is one of the best passers in the country. He has a QBR of 193.7, which is second in the nation. Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman is also a solid passer, but he has a QBR of just 152.1. If Stroud can outplay Hartman, it will give Ohio State a big advantage.

Third Down Conversion

Ohio State is one of the best teams in the country at converting third downs. The Buckeyes have converted 50% of their third downs this season, which is fourth in the nation. Notre Dame is also good at converting third downs, but they have converted just 42.9% of their third downs this season. If Ohio State can continue to convert third downs at a high rate, it will keep the Notre Dame defense on the field and give the Buckeyes a chance to score points.

Rushing Attack

Ohio State has one of the best running backs in the country in TreVeyon Henderson. Henderson has rushed for 485 yards and seven touchdowns this season. Notre Dame's running game is not as strong, but Audric Estime is a solid runner who has rushed for 359 yards and two touchdowns this season. If Henderson can outplay Estime, it will give Ohio State a big advantage in the ground game.

Defense

Both Ohio State and Notre Dame have strong defenses. Ohio State's defense is ranked third in the nation, and Notre Dame's defense is ranked 11th. The Buckeyes have allowed just 10.7 points per game this season, while the Fighting Irish have allowed just 14.0 points per game. If either team can get a stop on defense, it could be the difference in the game.

Special Teams

Special teams can often be overlooked, but they can be a major factor in close games. Ohio State has a slight edge in special teams over Notre Dame. The Buckeyes have a good punter and kicker, and they are also solid in the return game. Notre Dame's special teams are not as good, and they have struggled in the return game this season. If Ohio State can win the special teams battle, it could give them the edge in the game.

These are just five of the stats that could spell the difference in Ohio State's game against Notre Dame. The game is sure to be a close one, and any of these stats could be the deciding factor.