The Buckeyes’ season opener is just four days away, and by now every fan likely knows they square off with the No.5 Notre Dame Fighting Irish in Columbus. However, most may not be familiar with the opposing roster, since the last meeting between the two teams was the 2016 Fiesta Bowl.
Here are five Fighting Irish (plus a bonus!) to know as kickoff draws near:
- Tyler Buchner
The Sophomore QB will take over the offense after Jack Coan led things in 2021. Buchner appeared in 10 games last season, rushing for 338 yards and three touchdowns while passing for 298 yards and three more scores. He is no Heisman Trophy candidate but has the potential for explosive plays with his legs. However, in his first collegiate start, he draws the daunting task of facing the new Ohio State defense, under the lights at the Shoe.
Notre Dame quarterback Tyler Buchner makes his first career start Saturday at Ohio State.
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) August 30, 2022
He can’t wait.
“The vibe around the building is different. There is a little juice in the air, an extra pep in your step. Everyone is pretty excited to get to the building.” pic.twitter.com/dnhgeIOG2I
2. Michael Mayer
The Junior tight end is one of the top players in the country at his position. He led the Irish with 71 receptions in 2021 and tallied 840 yards, trailing only former teammate Kevin Austin. Mayer is talented and reliable, and his containment will be essential for the Buckeye defense. He will present a challenge to the Ohio State linebackers and any defender who draws him in coverage.
3. Isaiah Foskey
The 6’5” 260 lb Junior DE is a force to be reckoned with. He led the team with 11 sacks to go along with six forced fumbles and 38 tackles. His presence certainly poses a challenge to the Buckeyes’ offensive line. Either Paris Johnson or Dawand Jones, the starting tackles, better be up for the task.
4. Brandon Joseph
A Senior transfer from Northwestern, Joseph is an essential piece to the Notre Dame secondary. In his three years with the Wildcats, he recorded 135 tackles, 9 interceptions, and a sack. In two games against the Buckeyes, he added 6 tackles and an interception. He has big shoes to fill in replacing Kyle Hamilton, but his power-conference experience and pedigree will go a long way in shoring up the Notre Dame back end.
5. Lorenzo Styles Jr
The Sophomore wide receiver earned a starting role in 2022 as Notre Dame saw some roster turnover. In 2021, he notched 24 receptions for 344 yards and a TD. However, this game has some deep ties for the young star. His father Lorenzo Styles Sr was a Buckeye LB from 1991-94 and his brother Sonny is a freshman safety with the Buckeyes.
6. James Laurinaitis
The former Ohio State legend joined the Notre Dame staff prior to the season as a graduate assistant, representing his first foray into the coaching side of college football. The linebacker was a three-time consensus All-American at Ohio State (2006-08) and a two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year (2007-08). Now, he’ll be on the opposing sideline back where he used to be a star.
In this highly anticipated top-five matchup and season opener, there will be some faces, new and old, on both teams. From coaches to players, to offensive and defensive schemes both teams have seen their fair share of change. But one thing remains constant, the winner checks off the first box on the way to a playoff berth.
Score prediction:
38-17, Ohio State
Featured Image: Getty Images
Gabe Woodcox is a content contributor for The Silver Bulletin. He is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, and a graduate of The Ohio State University with a major of Sport Industry. Gabe has been working closely with Ohio State athletics during his sport industry tenure, writing for BuckeyesNews and working most recently with 97.1 The Fan. He is an avid Buckeye basketball and sports betting fanatic and will continue his education in a Turf Management Masters program next fall.