It wasn’t supposed to be this close. Pegged as 17½-point favorites heading into Saturday night, No. 2 Ohio State was bogged down by No. 5 Notre Dame’s defense and didn’t pull away until late in the fourth quarter, eventually landing on a 21-10 win that can interpreted in any number of ways. For one, the Buckeyes’ offense unwillingness to commit to the running game was surprising, especially with the tandem of Miyan Williams (91 yards) and potential All-America pick TreVeyon Henderson (84 yards) combining to average 6.0 yards per carry. Third-year quarterback C.J. Stroud completed 70.5% of his attempts for 223 yards and two touchdowns but averaged a career-low 6.6 yards per attempt. Expected to again rank among the best in the Bowl Subdivision, this offense was often bogged down by an Irish approach under coach Marcus Freeman that largely played things safe rather than take major gambles — though a…
Continue Reading: No. 2 Ohio State overcomes No. 5 Notre Dame with second-half rally at home
