Notre Dame defense keeps Ohio State offense in check, but still not enough for the Irish

COLUMBUS, Ohio — If Hollywood wrote the start of the Marcus Freeman Era at Notre Dame, it would have deemed this script too misleading, too wrenching for a typical sports film. The No. 5 Irish led Freeman’s alma mater for much of Saturday night, but the dynamic Ohio State offense finally broke through late in the third quarter to quell the upset bid, 21-10.

Until then, Notre Dame (0-1) had followed the exact script Freeman wrote earlier in the week.

The 36-year-old, first-time head coach said he wanted the Irish to get off to a fast start. A 54-yard completion on the first snap of the game fit that tone. The father of six said he wanted Notre Dame to slow the game down to minimize the impact of the Buckeyes’ offense. Giving No. 2 Ohio State (1-0) only five possessions in the first half deserved an award for controlling — directing — the game.

That opening play completion to sophomore Lorenzo Styles from sophomore quarterback Tyler Buchner was the only successful play on Notre Dame’s first drive, but the Irish still cracked the scoreboard first with a field goal. Buchner’s first career start opened with eight consecutive completions for 128 yards, including an acrobatic, tip-tip-tip-catch from former walk-on Matt Salerno, as he finished with 177 yards on 10-of-18 passing.

WHAT A CATCH! @Matthews0520#GoIrish pic.twitter.com/zaaPvUDhnu

— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) September 4, 2022

That drive ended with a one-yard touchdown dive from sophomore running back Audric Estime, having lined up as a fullback in a traditional I-formation. That gave Notre Dame a 10-7 lead it would hold deep into the third quarter before the heralded Buckeyes’ offense finally found its footing.

Playing without star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba