McCord and Buckeyes Outlast Irish in South Bend

The Ohio State Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish faced off in a primetime affair on Saturday night, and it didn't disappoint.

The Ohio State Buckeyes came to South Bend against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Saturday night, looking for a statement win for their 2023 College Football Playoff campaign. 

Many expected the matchup to be a high-flying offensive-minded affair, with a Heisman Trophy candidate on each side of the field - quarterback Sam Hartman for the Irish, and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. for the Buckeyes.

That, however, didn't happen. Instead, What we got was a defensive struggle, with the Buckeyes outlasting the Irish 17-14 at Notre Dame Stadium.

Heading into the game, many counted out the Buckeyes and their inexperienced man under center, Kyle McCord. 

However, with the game on the line, it was McCord who led the Buckeyes down the field on the final drive.

And while he may not have had the gaudiest stat line - McCord finished the game 21 of 37 for 240 yards, with no interceptions - or the most impressive efficiency, he made the plays when it counted, and ultimately, it got the Buckeyes in position for the game-winning score. 

Instead, it was backup running back Chip Traynum who got the go-ahead score for the Buckeyes, running in a one-yard touchdown at the goal line with just one second to go on the clock. 

From there, the Irish attempted a series of laterals as a last-ditch effort, which ultimately failed, with Ohio State emerging victorious.

Following the top-ten tussle, the Buckeyes will now enter a much-needed bye week, where they hope Marvin Harrison Jr. can make a quick recovery following his injury. 

Ohio State will return to the field on October 7, when they welcome the Maryland Terrapins to Columbus. 

The Buckeyes are 8-0 all-time vs. Maryland, and have outscored the Terps 139-31 in their previous two meetings in Columbus.