The highly regarded Ohio State offence was expected to put on a show against Notre Dame in the most important game of Week 1 of the pro football schedule.
But the Buckeyes had to grind out the victory with a comeback effort in the first half after wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba suffered what appeared to be an injury and the offensive unit had some genuine difficulties.
The following is the information that you must have on the game in Columbus.
Ohio State vs. Notre Dame score, Week 1 reactions
The final score was Ohio State 21, Notre Dame 10.
Both teams entered the game ranked well in their respective polls, with Ohio State holding the second spot in the AP top 25 college football rankings and Notre Dame holding the fifth spot in the poll.
As a result of top-ranked Alabama’s dominating performance against Utah State, the Buckeyes are likely to maintain their hold on the overall second spot, while the Irish will slip in the newly revised rankings.
Ohio State strikes first
The first touchdown pass of the year for the Buckeyes came courtesy of C.J. Stroud to Emeka Egbuka in the first quarter to give Ohio State a 7-3 advantage.
Luck of the Irish
Back Audric Estime leaped over the pile to cap an 87-yard drive for Notre Dame, giving the Fighting Irish a 10-point lead early in the second quarter.
However, it was the incredible catch made by Matt Solerno that kept the Irish drive going.
Notre Dame was in control early
It was the Irish offense, not the Buckeyes, that received more positive comments from the commentators in the first half of the game, particularly the performance of quarterback Tyler Buchner.
And that of Notre Dame’s defense, which stepped up to the challenge of halting the team currently ranked first in college football in terms of total offense while playing away from home.
Buckeyes’ offense struggled
Stroud had trouble finding places to throw the ball because the Irish pass rush was so good. His receivers also had trouble consistently making space for themselves.
And then it came right back
The Ohio State Buckeyes were in desperate need of a big play as the clock wound down in the third quarter, and they got it when Stroud completed a touchdown pass to Xavier Johnson to give their team back the lead.
And finished the job
Miyan Williams’ touchdown run was another important statement made by the Ohio State offense. It capped off a drive in which the Buckeyes traveled 95 yards in 7 minutes and 6 seconds, 14 plays, and a total of 7 minutes and 6 seconds to take a 21-10 lead over Notre Dame.
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