Ohio State RB Chip Trayanum Pushes Buckeyes Past Notre Dame

Ohio State running back punched in the game-winning touchdown as time expired to give the Buckeyes a 16-14 victory over Notre Dame.

It may not have been an explosive offensive outing for Ohio State, or Notre Dame for that matter, but the Buckeyes are leaving South Bend with a win. This signature victory will do a lot to push OSU into the playoff conversation and that's thanks in large part to running back Chip Trayanum, who put the final points on the board for the Buckeyes.

After being stopped on a crucial fourth down in the red zone, head coach Ryan Day put the ball in Trayanum's hands for the game's final play, and the senior bruiser put the team on his back. Trayanum punched in the game-winning touchdown from about a yard out completing the Buckeyes' comeback over the Fighting Irish. 

Trayanum had just five carries for 12 yards before his walk-off score, serving mostly as a backup and blocker. The 233-pound ball carrier is a short-yardage specialist and he was ready when his name was called, delivering on a national stage. 

That one-yard push may have single-handedly saved Ohio State's season, keeping them undefeated and in contention to make the College Football Playoff. 

Not only did his run keep Ohio State's record spotless, but it also helped his quarterback Kyle McCord complete a 65-yard game-winning drive. It likely did the same for this Buckeye offensive line, confirming to themselves that when the game is on the line (literally), they can get the job done. 

Trayanum's backfield partner TreVeyon Henderson was no slouch either, totaling 104 yards on 14 carries and adding a score of his own. The Buckeyes run game looked strong, especially in the first half and on their final drive. That's a good sign going forward because they'll face some stout defenses, like Michigan and Penn State, later this fall. 

Game planning will come later, though, for Day and his squad. Right now, they're celebrating an emotional rollercoaster of a victory and getting out of Notre Dame Stadium as quickly as they can to avoid the mob of devastated Fighting Irish fans. It'll be a fun ride back to Columbus, and there's probably nobody enjoying it more than Trayanum.