Ohio State squared off with Notre Dame last Saturday to open the College Football season. Ohio State ended up winning the game by a score of 21-10. This Ohio State Notre Dame reaction article will delve into the details of the game. Notre Dame surprised some people by being able to keep the score close as well as leading at halftime of the game. But, in the second half, the Buckeyes were able to get things going and score two touchdowns to win.
Notre Dame played very well and stuck with the second ranked Buckeyes. Most people, including myself, thought the Irish were not going to be able to keep up and get blown out. They were neck and neck with the Buckeyes in the first half and moved the ball. In the second, half, they missed some opportunities to score points. Two times the Irish had the ball in Buckeye territory and they ended up moving back because of negative yards or penalties. The offense also did not have great field position to start drives due to short kickoff returns.
Shaking off the rust
Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba suffered an injury in the first quarter and was out the rest of the game. The Buckeye offense struggled to move the ball in the first half. The first game of the season always shows some rust and the rust needed to be shaken off. In the fourth quarter, Ohio State had a drive which sealed the win which was a 14 play 95 yard drive which took seven minutes off the clock. The drive made the score 21-10 with Ohio State in the drivers seat to win.
The defense was able to play a big game after a season last year where they struggled mightily. The defense was able to hold the Irish to 3 of 13 on third downs forcing three and outs. There were also negative plays which stalled Irish drives on the plus side of the field.
The Buckeyes could have played better but they were able to grind out a game to win. They were able to be resilient and show character. The running game was effective with 175 yards for the game and C.J. Stroud finished 24/34 for 223 yards and two touchdowns. Even though it wasn’t a pretty game, sometimes the best teams need gritty wins improve. Close games will prepare teams for later in the season in conference championship games as well as bowl games. The Ohio State Notre Dame reaction article shows Ohio State is at the beginning of a long season with great upside. This can also prepare Ohio State for the playoff to compete for the National Championship.