In the most important Week 1 game on the college football schedule, Ohio State’s lauded offence was expected to make a statement against Notre Dame. However, the Buckeyes had to work for the victory with a comeback attempt in the first half following an apparent injury to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and some significant offensive troubles.
Ohio State and Notre Dame were ranked Nos. 2 and No. 5 in the AP top 25 college football polls, respectively, before the game.
Due to top-ranked Alabama’s victory over Utah State, expect the Buckeyes to remain solidly in second place this week while the Irish drop in the most recent rankings.
The Buckeyes took a 7-3 lead after C.J. Stroud connected with Emeka Egbuka in the first quarter for the team’s first touchdown of the year.
When back Audric Estime leapt over the pile to finish off an 87-yard drive, Notre Dame took the lead 10-7 early in the second quarter.
However, Matt Solerno’s incredible catch was what kept the Irish drive going.
In the first half of the game, the Irish offence, not the Buckeyes, received superior plaudits, particularly for the performance of quarterback Tyler Buchner.
Likewise, Notre Dame’s defence rose to the occasion of having to travel while facing the nation’s #1 offense.
Stroud struggled to find throwing lanes as they encountered an inspired Irish pass rush and had trouble consistently getting their receivers into open spaces.
Ohio State needed a big play with the third quarter winding down, and they got it when Stroud connected with Xavier Johnson for the winning touchdown play.
Another important statement was made by the Ohio State offense, which covered 95 yards in 14 plays and 7 minutes and 6 seconds to defeat Notre Dame 21-10 thanks to a touchdown run from Miyan Williams.
