Ohio State’s receivers vs. Notre Dame’s secondary

Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate didn’t shy away from hinting at the Buckeyes’ gameplan heading into Monday.

Notre Dame plays man coverage as much as any team in the country, and Ohio State is preparing appropriately.

“We’re going to assume they do the same in this game,” Tate said. “They’ve been putting it on film all year — going one high (safety) man coverage and stuff like that. We’re going to assume and then react to it if they come out in something different.”

Notre Dame ranks ninth nationally in total defense with 298.3 yards allowed per game, so coordinator Al Golden’s strategy has clearly worked.

However, few teams have attempted to consistently play man coverage against Ohio State because of a receiving group featuring Tate along with Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka.

That doesn’t seem to scare the Fighting Irish.

“I think that going into this game we’re not going to change who we are,” Notre Dame freshman cornerback Leonard Moore told reporters Wednesday. “We’re going to play man coverage like we do every week. We’re going to go out there and challenge their receivers.”

Cody Simon vs. Riley Leonard

Ohio State has faced mobile quarterbacks this season such as Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel and Tennessee’s Nico Iamaleava.

However, they mainly utilized their legs when needing to extend passing plays. Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard can do that while also heavily factoring into designed runs.

His 158 carries rank sixth nationally among non-running backs. For context, OSU’s Will Howard — who is a duel-threat option — has 82 carries.

“He’s a huge part of that will to just get it done,” linebacker Sonny Styles said. “I think you see a lot of times on fourth-and-1s, fourth-and-2s or third-and-3s, third-and-6s, they give him the ball. I think that’s their guy.”

Containing his mobility will be pivotal with linebacker Cody Simon as a likely spy on Leonard.

Mike Denbrock vs. Jim Knowles

Notre Dame’s offense has leaned on the running game.

The Fighting Irish rank 14th nationally with 210.8 rushing yards per game. They’re anchored by running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price who have combined for nearly 2,000 rushing yards this season.

Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles knows Notre Dame will try to bring a run-heavy attack. Will that lead to any twists from Notre Dame offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock?

It’s unlikely the Fighting Irish pick Monday to have Leonard play as a traditional pocket passer.

However, it could be an opportunity for tricks plays in hopes of catching Ohio State leaning toward stopping the run.