In the most important game on the college football schedule in Week 1, against Notre Dame, that lauded Ohio State offence was meant to make a statement.
However, the Buckeyes had to work for the victory with a comeback effort in the first half due to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-apparent Njigba’s injury and some serious offensive troubles.
Week 1 reactions to the Ohio State vs. Notre Dame score
ten, Ohio State 21, and Notre Dame
In the AP top 25 college football rankings, Ohio State was ranked No. 2 and Notre Dame was ranked No. 5 prior to the game.
As second-ranked Alabama easily defeated Utah State this week, expect the Buckeyes to maintain their position at the top while the Irish will drop in the most recent standings.
First to score is Ohio State
The Buckeyes took a 7-3 lead as C.J. Stroud connected with Emeka Egbuka in the first quarter for the team’s first touchdown of the year.
Luck of the Irish Notre Dame scored early in the second quarter to take a 10-7 lead when back Audric Estime leapt over the pile to finish an 87-yard drive.
However, Matt Solerno’s incredible catch was what kept the Irish drive going.
Early advantage for Notre Dame
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 offence.
Ohio State’s offence had trouble.
Stroud struggled to find throwing lanes as they encountered an inspired Irish pass rush and had trouble consistently getting their receivers into open spaces.
And then it immediately returned.
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.
and completed the task
Another important statement was made by the Ohio State offence, 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.
