Here are the four biggest matchups to watch when these two powers collide. Jan. 1, 1 ET, ESPN. As I walked out of Notre Dame Stadium after the Irish’s season opener against my Longhorns, I wasn’t sure if the 38-3 shellacking was a result of incompetence on the part of Texas or a masterful performance by an elite Notre Dame. In retrospect, it was some of both, but there’s no doubt the Fighting Irish had one of the more talented teams in the country this year. They were unfortunate enough to lose their star QB in week two when it appeared he might be ready for a breakout. Thanks to narrow losses to undefeated Clemson and Pac-12 champion Stanford, No. 8 Notre Dame will miss the Playoff. The Irish will still face another Playoff-caliber team loaded with talent in No. 7 Ohio State. The Buckeyes also had high expectations after returning the better part of a nucleus that rolled through the first Playoff…
Continue Reading: Ohio State-Notre Dame Fiesta Bowl might have more total talent than either Playoff semi
