MY THOUGHTS.....Notre Dame

 

The Ohio State Buckeyes overcame a sluggish offensive performance to defeat number five Notre Dame 21-10 in the 2022 season opener. The story of the day was the Buckeye defense under new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. Notre Dame scored on their opening possession and then with eleven minutes to go in the second quarter. After that, the Ohio State defense put the clamps down on Notre Dame’s offense. QB Tyler Buchner started out hitting his first eight throws, including a 50-yarder on the first play. After that, he completed only two of his last ten throws. In fact, take away that play, and a fluke catch by Notre Dame’s outstanding tight end Michael Mayer that led to their only touchdown, and Notre Dame might have been shut out. Notre Dame’s run game was held to a mere 76 yards and 2.5 yards per carry. Tommy Eichenberg led with nine tackles, but I was very impressed with the play of first-time starter Mike Hall along the defensive line as he was able to get into the backfield on numerous occasions and come up with a vital sack that shut down a Notre Dame drive in the fourth quarter. Luther Ransome and Steele Chambers also came up big, with seven and five tackles respectively.

It took a while, but C.J. Stroud finally came around in the second half to the form he had in the latter part of last season. His second TD toss, to Xavier Johnson, was a thing of beauty as Johnson was covered, but Stroud threw a perfect pass that gave Ohio State the lead they never relinquished. TreVeyon Henderson was the leading rusher with 91 yards, but it was Miyan Williams who stole the show. Much of his 84 yards and touchdown were done on the scoring drive in the fourth quarter as he was tearing through holes in the Irish defense. Ohio State’s offensive line was finally able to wear down the Notre Dame defensive front in the second half which enables Williams to get those tough yards between the tackles. Williams also showed he can get those yards between the tackles, not just by turning the corner. So, it could be the Buckeyes are developing quite a one-two punch at the running back spot.

Ohio State now has, what should be two breathers coming up in Arkansas State and Toledo, before a tough Wisconsin team comes to town September 24.