ATLANTA – On Monday night, Ohio State and Notre Dame will both reach a milestone in college football history that no team has achieved before. They’re well aware of the implications of gearing up for their 16th game this season, as their bodies are telling them everything they need to know.

“Anyone claiming to be completely healthy at this point in the season is not telling the truth. Whether you’re on offense or defense, whether you’re with Ohio State or another team—it’s simply not true,” said Howard Cross, defensive tackle for Notre Dame. “After this long of a season, it’s a whole new ballgame for everyone. The focus now is on endurance and who can outlast the others.”

Even with college athletes now benefiting from financial opportunities through name, image, and likeness deals and expected revenue sharing from the NCAA’s settlement, the discussion about the physical toll of a lengthy season has quieted down.

However, with the new 12-team College Football Playoff format, the expectation is that teams reaching this stage will often play 16 or 17 games. This factor dramatically influences how coaching staffs build championship-worthy rosters, while also seeking ways to maintain player health throughout an unprecedented season.

Ohio State’s head coach Ryan Day adjusted the team’s strategy this season, intentionally slowing the offensive tempo to minimize player fatigue and ensure they remained energetic as they approached the playoffs.

“If we can save 10 plays a game, that adds up to 150 plays over the season,” noted Ohio State’s defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. “From the outset, the aim has been to adapt to the demands of a prolonged season.”

Currently, Ohio State averages 61.8 offensive plays per game as they head into the championship matchup. This figure shows a decrease compared to last season’s average of 63.9 and 67.4 in 2022.

Nevertheless, the main takeaway is clear: In past seasons, with all the talent Ohio State boasts, Day might have opted for a more fast-paced game to capitalize on their skilled players. Instead, the focus remained on being prepared and avoiding a mentally or physically exhausted roster as they entered the College Football Playoff.

“I believe our energy levels are consistently improving,” said Day. “Regarding mental fatigue, I haven’t observed any signs of it in our team. In fact, our focus and energy seem heightened. I feel that the team is in great shape, and we could keep going for a few more weeks if needed. This demonstrates our experience, maturity, and roster depth, all of which are crucial.”

During the initial years of the four-team College Football Playoff, influential coaches like Urban Meyer, Dabo Swinney, and Nick Saban frequently discussed the challenges that arose from playing a semifinal against a formidable opponent and then competing again approximately ten days later in the championship game.

This raised an important question: If the playoff expanded, requiring teams to compete in at least one or possibly two more games, how much of their roster would still be healthy at the end of the season?

We are already seeing the effects of a prolonged playoff. For example, Notre Dame lost defensive lineman Rylie Mills to a knee injury in the first round against Indiana, tight end Cooper Flanagan to an Achilles injury in the quarterfinals versus Georgia, and offensive tackle Anthonie Knapp to an ankle injury in their match against Penn State.

All three will be unavailable for the game against Ohio State, while other Fighting Irish players, like running back Jeremiyah Love, have battled through injuries, albeit at a cost. The state of Notre Dame’s roster is a critical factor heading into the championship game, contributing to the odds that favor Ohio State by more than a touchdown.

“It’s been challenging to manage due to the number of players who are unavailable,” stated Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator Al Golden. “What we’ve learned through this experience is the paramount importance of depth in college football today. Without our depth, we wouldn’t be in our current position.”

The concept of roster depth has gained prominence this season in college football, particularly in discussions surrounding the transfer portal and how some traditional powerhouses like Alabama and Georgia have struggled with depth compared to their previous highs. This shift has made competition tighter, increasing the role of luck in the postseason when teams used to have a month to recuperate after regular play.

Now, it is a test of survival. Coaches and training staff have to keep a close watch on player conditions daily.

“This offseason and summer, we prepared knowing this possibility was on the horizon,” Notre Dame linebacker Jack Kiser mentioned. “Our strength and performance teams have effectively integrated sports science, ensuring we understand player needs and keeping everyone at their best by game day. I think we’ve done exceptionally well in achieving this.”

Notre Dame meticulously tracks the data provided by technology worn by players during practices and games, assessing their exertion and workload, which helps in crafting tailored practice schedules based on individual needs for rest or increased activity.

Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock remarked that some players receive notices indicating they need to reduce practice intensity due to Notre Dame’s commitment to managing their physical condition carefully.

“Just thinking about playing 16 games is exhausting,” he added. “Luckily, we have some knowledgeable people making these decisions. However, this alters how we practice and approach physicality as the season advances. We can’t maintain the same level of intensity as we might have early on, but we also need to balance our training. It’s a bit of a juggling act, but our players are intelligent and understand our goals.”

One thing is certain: The inaugural year of the 12-team CFP will yield valuable data and a framework that all of college football will analyze. Before 2006, the college season typically included 11 games plus a conference championship for select leagues, and one postseason game. Today, teams face a 12-game regular season, and for some, a conference championship, followed by three to four playoff games.

This represents a significant shift in a relatively brief timespan, particularly when talent acquisition is increasingly difficult due to the removal of transfer limitations. Success will belong to those who adeptly navigate this evolving landscape.

“The length of the season is significantly different now,” remarked Ohio State’s offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. “When I was at Oregon, we had a regular season followed by a bowl game, often with a 37-day hiatus. This change has influenced our strategies on both offense and defense, underscoring the need for robust strength and conditioning programs, nutrition considerations, and overall planning on how to endure this lengthy season. It’s unprecedented.”