The fact that it’s Marcus Freeman’s first time as a head coach only multiplies it. Then toss in this added bonus: His first game in this position will come Saturday night at Ohio State, the Big Ten powerhouse for which he once played. “Any competitor, you want an opportunity to go and play against the best,” Freeman told reporters this week in the lead-up to the blockbuster showdown on opening weekend. “There’s no better way to see where we’re at as a football team.
Sophomore quarterback C.J. Stroud, the first player in Big Ten history to be named its Offensive Player, Quarterback and Freshman of the Year, is a Heisman Trophy contender and is joined by dynamic game-breakers at running back and wide receiver . The defense, the Buckeyes’ Achilles’ heel in their two losses last year, is still their major question mark, although new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has inherited a lot of talent after coming to Columbus from Oklahoma State.
First up, though, is a trip to Ohio Stadium for as challenging a game as anyone will play this season. In the long run, it could be beneficial for the Irish, especially if Freeman’s team plays well. A win would be a major statement. Then again, it could just easily go the other way against an opponent so stacked, particularly one that is a 17.5-point favorite.
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