Ohio State Buckeyes VS Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Final Score: Ohio State 17, Notre Dame 14
Date: September 23, 2023
Venue: Notre Dame Stadium, Notre Dame, IN
Attendance: 77,622
Recap:
The Ohio State Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish engaged in a thrilling Week 4 matchup that came down to the final seconds. Ohio State entered the game ranked No. 6 in the country, while Notre Dame was ranked No. 9.
The Fighting Irish struck first in the second quarter on a 10-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tyler Buchner to wide receiver Michael Mayer. Ohio State responded late in the quarter with a 37-yard field goal from kicker Noah Ruggles to make the score 7-3 at halftime.
Notre Dame extended its lead to 14-3 early in the third quarter on a 5-yard touchdown run by running back Logan Diggs. Ohio State answered with a 10-play, 75-yard drive that culminated in a 3-yard touchdown run by running back TreVeyon Henderson.
The Buckeyes had a chance to tie the game late in the fourth quarter, but Ruggles missed a 42-yard field goal. However, Ohio State got the ball back with one minute remaining and drove 75 yards for the game-winning touchdown. Quarterback Kyle McCord plunged into the end zone on a 1-yard run with just one second left on the clock.
Key Stats:
- Ohio State outgained Notre Dame in total yards, 420-311.
- The Buckeyes also rushed for more yards than the Fighting Irish, 197-129.
- McCord completed 24-of-35 passes for 223 yards and one touchdown.
- Henderson rushed for 134 yards and one touchdown on 23 carries.
- Mayer led Notre Dame in receiving with 10 catches for 118 yards and one touchdown.
Significance:
The win was a big one for Ohio State, as it improved the team’s record to 4-0 and kept it undefeated on the season. The Buckeyes are now one of the favorites to win the national championship.
For Notre Dame, the loss was a disappointing setback. The Fighting Irish had a chance to make a statement against one of the top teams in the country, but they fell short in the end. Notre Dame is now 2-2 on the season, and it will need to win out if it wants to make the College Football Playoff.
