Notre Dame football vs. Cincinnati Bearcats: 3 Surprises in Week 5

2 of 3

Cincinnati Bearcats defensive lineman Myjai Sanders (21) hits Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Jordan Botelho (12) as he throws an interception made by Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Deshawn Pace (20) in the first half of the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Ind.Cincinnati Bearcats At Notre Dame Fighting Irish 185 /

Notre Dame football vs. Cincinnati Bearcats: 3 Surprises in Week 5

The Turnovers

Going into this game, it was clear that the talent on each side of the ball was pretty even, and that turnovers would play a huge role on Saturday. Unfortunately for the Irish, they were on the wrong side of the turnover battle, and some of the plays were downright surprising, considering who committed them.

Outside of Tyler Buchner, who is a true freshman, and looked like a true freshman as he was intercepted in the first half against the Bearcats, it was some players who have been through big-time battles who turned it over. Jack Coan threw a downright shocking interception, as it came on the first possession, and took points off the board, as it was picked off at the one-yard line.

Then, after the Bearcats scored their first touchdown of the game, the ensuing kick-off was fumbled by the sure-handed Chris Tyree, who was a hero for the Irish last weekend against Wisconsin. All told, the turnovers were the difference in this one, as they continued to take the momentum away from the Irish, and give the Bearcats too many extra possessions.

Home/Notre Dame Football