Coach -

The first 12 team playoff format culminates today in a meeting between the #7 seed and the #8 seed.  While the seeding process may undergo some tweaks in the future, the new playoff format will give us a national champion who had to earn their way in and then earn it on the field.

Ohio State boasts a potent offense led by a dynamic quarterback and a deep receiving corps, while their defense, anchored by a ferocious pass rush, aims to disrupt Notre Dame's rhythm. 

Notre Dame counters with a balanced attack, relying on a deep backfield much like the Buckeyes and a skilled quarterback who can effectively distribute the ball. Their defense, known for its coverage blanket and disciplined play, will look to contain Ohio State's explosive offense and force turnovers. 

This promises to be a thrilling matchup with both teams vying for the ultimate prize in college football.

As a preview to the big game, we dive in to some scheme with these coaching staffs. 

Here Come the Irish 🍀

The Notre Dame offense, orchestrated by offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, thrives on a balanced attack that blends a potent rushing attack with a dynamic passing game. 

Denbrock's scheme incorporates a variety of RPOs to keep defenses guessing and create explosive plays. Tight ends are heavily utilized as both receivers and blockers, adding another dimension to the offense. Leading the charge in the rushing attack is Jeremiyah Love, a powerful and elusive back who consistently breaks tackles and makes the defenses life even more difficult.

Let’s begin by taking a look at the “Copy” play in Denbrock’s offense - 

Video: Copy Film Breakdown

The Copy play and really all of the concepts coming from the Denbrock offense are derived from the idea of complementary play and the mesh between having a multitude of plays and giving small wrinkles that are not taxing to your players. 

The beauty of this scheme is it can create wrinkles with receivers playing the same role, motioning to the same assignment and executed by varying personnel groups all while providing options and being efficient against a variety of looks.

Video: Copy vs 3 Down

The versatility of the scheme is really displayed in the two free clinic clips above and gives a legitimate level of insight into the incorporation of these schemes and their application and answers as you refine your playbook this offseason. 

Let’s get some insight into the Irish defense from Lauren’s First and Goal Clinic with LB Coach Max Bullough.

LB Run Footwork

The Notre Dame defense, while boasting a talented unit, has found its greatest strength in its coverage capabilities. 

Their secondary has consistently disrupted opposing passing attacks, generating interceptions and limiting big plays. However, close games and losses often highlight a recurring theme: when faced with equally potent rushing attacks or even more dominant rushing offenses, the Irish defense has struggled to contain opposing ground games. 

This upcoming matchup presents a significant challenge as they will need to effectively neutralize the potent rushing attacks of Judkins and Henderson to secure a victory. This puts the responsibility with Max Bullough and the ND LB corp.

How Firm Thy Friendship - OHIO 🌰

The Ohio State Buckeyes' defense, masterminded by defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and safeties coach Matt Guerrieri, embodies a potent "combo attack." 

Knowles' philosophy leverages versatile and lethal safeties who can seamlessly transition between man coverage, zone coverage, and blitzing responsibilities. This is complemented by a dominant and ferocious front seven that disrupts opposing offenses with relentless pressure and tackles for loss. 

Knowles and Guerrieri, drawing upon their extensive coaching experiences, have combined to meticulously elevate a defensive scheme that maximizes the strengths of their personnel. 

From there though the development of this defense throughout the season has really been the tipping point. The way they have shown up to play has allowed these coaches to be creative. But, that ultimately stems from how they taught the base of the defense in the spring and summer and have been able to build and expand on it through these last few months. 

Dive into the install and teaching progression with Coach Geurreri from this time at Duke where he served as a Co-DC.

Video: Install #1

After establishing these base levels you can begin to get into more tricky items such as rat coverages, moving shells, and anything that allows you to have fun, be creative and get after their schemes creating unpredictability.

 But, to do this with a wide variety of plays you are going to have to have linebackers that can cover and play all around the field should you send a safety or a corner. Bring in the idea of muckle from Coach Knowles and his LB’s.

Video: Jim Knowles - Linebacker Fundamentals

Being able to play these types of coverage then allows you to be aggressive and really get into the spectacle of playing offense on defense in Coach Knowles words. This encourages the players to be creative and have fun with the scheme. The more they know and the better they move, disguise and play free the more aggressive you will appear.

Video: Jim Knowles Ohio State - Playing Offense On Defense

While the Ohio State offense, with its array of explosive weapons, rightfully garners significant attention, it's crucial to acknowledge the unsung heroes of this team: the Ohio State offensive line. This unit has come ready to play this postseason and has been a force in leading their team to blowout wins, providing ample time for Will Howard and allowing him to throw his best balls of the season in the biggest games.

The key to this game is going to be Ohio State’s run game. No if's and's or but’s about it. If Henderson or Judkins gets rolling to the point Chip Kelly can be creative in getting open seams for Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka, write this one off because it is going to be a long day for the Irish. A largely attributing piece of this is going to be the offensive line's ability to drive blocks and create a crease for them to slip through.

Video - Drive Block Progression

This National Championship game promises to be a thrilling spectacle. Ohio State's explosive offense, bolstered by a dominant offensive line, will challenge Notre Dame's strong coverage units. 

Conversely, Notre Dame's balanced attack, featuring a potent rushing attack, will test the mettle of Ohio State's formidable front seven and their ability to contain explosive plays. 

The stage is set for a hard-fought battle between two highly talented and well-coached teams. Gain all the insights through these two bundles of clinics for your offense and defense.

National Title Offense

National Title Defense

Enjoy the game!

Coach Grabowski, Coach Kauffman, and the CoachesClinic Team

P.S. Many of these clinics are from Lauren’s First and Goal Clinic.  The 2025 Clinic ticket is now available with the best savings and access to date. Find it here: https://lfgf2025.coachtube.com/