5 reasons why Ryan Day's Ohio State could see failure during Notre Dame matchup

Ohio State heads into the national title game as a clear favorite. The Buckeyes have sailed through the season a bit under the radar. Oregon won the Big 12, Texas or Georgia had the SEC's big name momentum and Ohio State seemed poised to be the team that came up short.

But now that Ohio State has dominated three CFP games and is a 9.5 point favorite over Notre Dame, there's simply no way around OSU being the favorite. It's not a position that OSU necessarily enjoys and there are some obstacles between the Buckeyes and the title. Here are five reasons OSU could come up short.

5 reasons Ohio State could lose to Notre Dame

Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman has some weapons to deploy against Ohio State. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

#5. The ferocious Irish defense

Notre Dame's impressive defense, averaging 14.3 points per game is second best in the nation. Of course, it's second to Ohio State's own defense, but Notre Dame has done an excellent job containing even the most impressive offenses it has faced. The Irish are ninth nationally in yardage allowed and fifth in third down defense.

The 13-10 Michigan loss is probably something of a template for the Irish. It's their clearest path to besting the Buckeyes.

#4. Notre Dame's running attack

Notre Dame's 5.83 yards per carry on the season is fourth in all of college football. Their 210.8 yards per game is 14th in the nation. Jeremiyah Lowe has 1,122 yards and QB Riley Leonard has rushed for 866 yards. Ohio State's two games with the most rushing yards allowed were their two losses with 172 yards allowed to Micigan and 155 to Oregon. If the Irish can equal that, they'll fare well.

#3. The Irish ability to protect the QB

It's also worth noting that the two times all season when Ohio State didn't sack the opposing quarterbacks are the two times that Ohio State lost. Meanwhile, Notre Dame does a credible job protecting Riley Leonard, allowing just 23 sacks in 14 games. If the Irish can keep Leonard clean, OSU might struggle to create enough defensive havoc to create a victory.

#2. Notre Dame's third-down excellence

Notre Dame has generally been very sharp on third down in big games. Against the four opponents they played this season who are currently ranked, Notre Dame converted 60, 54, 29 and 65 percent of their third-down attempts. Yes, that Georgia game was a clunker, but the others showed impressive third-down consistency, especially an 11 for 17 on third down against Penn State.

Ohio State's two worst third down defensive days were in their two losses, allowing 50 and 43 percent conversions. Keeping up third-down strength for Notre Dame could prove pivotal in the title game.

#1.The pressure of being the favorite

Ohio State has long suffered from expectations. Consider the four-game losing streak to Michigan or past post-season failures, notably including CFP blowouts. The Buckeyes have not dealt well with being favored. It's reasonable to expect that this season could be different. But at some point, a series of big-game failures can become mental as much as physical.

The Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs, for instance, could certainly well advise the Buckeyes of the hazards of a history of losing. If the game is close late, Ohio State's share of late-game pressure will be appreciably larger than Notre Dame's.

What do you think of Notre Dame's chances at upsetting the Buckeyes? Share your take below in our comments section!