[Cactus Jack]

Final from Atlanta.

Notre Dame had a gritty opening drive before Ohio State scored 31 unanswered. Notre Dame had a touchdown in the 3rd Quarter and converted the 2-point try, but would go on to miss a short field goal on one of the next drives.

The Irish had another touchdown and 2-point conversion in the 4th, and looked to be in position to make it really interesting late until the Buckeyes' Jeremiah Smith was hit with a 57-yard bomb on 3rd and 11 with 2:38 left and the game was effectively put out of reach. A late Ohio State field goal would seal it.

On the night, Notre Dame recovered one fumble, but that was the only turnover or big special teams play that they'd have. Riley Leonard led the Irish in rushing with 40 yards on 17 attempts. Nice night for Jaden Greathouse, who had 5 catches for 111 yards and 2 TDs, but he was really the only Notre Dame receiver who was able to get consistent separation.

Credit Notre Dame for hanging in there and making things interesting late when it would have been easy to fold, but Ohio State controlled this one from the 2nd quarter forward. 

Stat of the game: Ohio State rushed for 214 yards to Note Dame's 53.