Five observations from Notre Dame football's crushing, last-second loss to Ohio State
SOUTH BEND — Five thoughts from Saturday’s game between No. 6 Ohio State and No. 9 Notre Dame, won by the Buckeyes 17-14, at Notre Dame Stadium...
∎ In a defensive battle, it seemed appropriate this game would come down to a defensive stop. It didn't. Chip Trayanum's 1-yard plunge as time expired sealed it for No. 6 Ohio State, capping a 15-play, 65-yard drive in the final 1:25
That last Buckeyes' drive was a crusher for the ninth-ranked Irish.
∎ Even when it was still relatively early, it felt like it was getting late.
This was a fast-moving game, no thanks to all the review plays that seemingly popped up every four or five calls, but thanks to both teams’ penchant to run the ball — and often run it well.
When Notre Dame started the fourth quarter with a first and 10 from its own four, it was only the seventh Irish drive. Thus, the lateness. Or quickness. The Irish trailed 10-7, but you got the feeling they had to score and score quickly. They would only get a few other opportunities to make something happen.
And when Sam Hartman found Rico Flores for the go-ahead score (14-10), the building went bananas.
∎ That first drive of the second half was big for Notre Dame, for all the wrong reasons.
The Irish moved the ball 36 yards in their first seven plays. It looked like they’d found some footing in the run game, then found themselves with a fourth-and-one call from the Ohio State 39.
Hartman tried a quarterback sneak that went nowhere. It was the second time in five drives that Hartman couldn’t convert a fourth-and-one look.
Next play, Ohio State was in the end zone following a 61-yard touchdown run from TreyVeyon Henderson. Just like that, everything flipped. A nervous Irish fan base to start the half really got nervous less than five minutes in.
∎ When is a 3-0 game after two quarters considered entertaining? When the teams combined for 18 first downs and 288 total yards. Both teams moved up and down the field, but only Ohio State managed points. When the Buckeyes out a late three up on the board in the closing minute, it marked the first time the Irish have trailed this season.
The deficit felt a lot larger than just three. Welcome to Big Ten football, where the first one to 10 – at least at half – seemingly would win.
∎ Yes, Irish kicker Spencer Shrader has a strong leg. Yes, he can hit a field goal from 50-plus yards. From 60. Maybe from 70. But at some point, especially in a big game, Shrader must deliver. He didn’t really, at least in the first half when he sailed a 47-yard attempt wide left.
That left Shrader three-of-seven through the first four-plus games this season. This game needed points early, and Notre Dame had a chance to get points. Shrader must make that kick, strong or no strong leg. Harsh? Perhaps, but that’s the job.
Follow South Bend Tribune and NDInsider columnist Tom Noie on X (formerly Twitter): @tnoieNDI. Contact: (574) 235-6153.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Instant analysis: Notre Dame vs. Ohio State Saturday night
