Urban Meyer previews Notre Dame vs. Ohio State: A phenomenal chess match

As part of this week’s episode of Urban’s Take with Tim May, the guys previewed the Ohio State vs. Notre Dame matchup, with Meyer offering his thoughts on the two defenses while explaining the eternal meaning of such a high-profile game.

When asked for his thoughts on the Buckeye visit to South Bend, Meyer praised the Notre Dame defense and is anxious to see how they challenge OSU quarterback Kyle McCord.

“Well, I just got done watching two days of the video because we’re gonna do — Bob Stoops is gonna join us on the set and we’re gonna talk about the Notre Dame defense, and they were really good,” Meyer shared.

“They played really, really hard and they bring their blitz mania. So I think this is gonna be a great game. I think Kyle McCord, he’s gonna get hit and how I’m gonna watch closely how he handles that in that environment. Because it’s gonna be loud.”

Though, in South Bend, especially with Columbus not too far away, Urban Meyer believes the crowd may not be 100% Irish fans. “You know, one thing about Notre Dame’s stadium: People find ways in. Nebraska, Ohio State fans buy those tickets up. There’ll be a bunch of scarlet and gray in that stadium.”

Meyer highlights key matchup

If Notre Dame does want to blitz McCord, they’ll have a really tough decision to malke. Urban Meyer spotlighted that specific coaching decision for Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator.

“But he’s also got the best player in America. So if I’m that defense coordinator at Notre Dame, do I (pressure McCord) and risk if that kid gets the ball in the hand of Marvin Harrison Jr.? The chess match is gonna be: We have to hit the quarterback or do I leave Marvin Harrison Jr. and the other receivers on an island?”

That will be a key question for Notre Dame DC Al Golden to answer on Saturday. Through three games, Harrison is just over 100 yards per outing with 304 along with three touchdowns. Plus, Emeka Egbuka starts across from Harrison and has 167 yards and three touchdowns himself.

Meyer not impressed by Ohio State defense yet

After discussing Notre Dame’s impressive defense, May asked Meyer about Ohio State on that end of the field. While the Buckeyes have allowed just 20 total points through three games, the former OSU coach says he still doesn’t have a gauge of just how strong the unit really is given the competition they faced.

“Indiana is not the same Indiana team they were a couple of years ago,” said Meyer. “You know, they can’t really throw it. They do some good run game stuff, but that’s not the same. Coach (Tom) Allen had that thing cooking a couple of years ago and India is a tough job, but I take nothing out of it when you play those games.”

Urban Meyer is only interested in defensive performances against formidable opponents.

“You know, like it’s a little bit like, tell me about the Wolverines. Tell me about Georgia. At least Notre Dame went to NC State and played a decent team and I can take something from there. But I’ll talk to you next week about Ohio State’s defense.”

May and Meyer reminisce on ’96 game

Lastly, May recalled the 1996 game between Notre Dame and Ohio State, which the Buckeyes won 29-16 in Lou Holtz’ final year as the ND head coach. Meyer was actually a staff member with Holtz and the Irish that season and remembered the game well.

“You know, I’ll never forget the opening kickoff. My gosh, took it 98 yards to start the game. I mean, you don’t breathe for those four hours,” shared Meyer. The game felt so important he feared he would be fired after the loss.

“And with Lou Holtz, I remember we had a staff meeting afterwards and, oh my gosh. I mean, I was a young coach that you just lost to Ohio State and… is the sun gonna come up tomorrow? Are we all fired?” Meyer joked.

However, he admits the game is still massively important.

“This is bigger than life. This is something that follows you around. The impact of this game will live in infamy. I mean, that’s gonna be around for a long time. It does not go away.”