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

By Brad Weiss

Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Jack Coan (17) throws a pass 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 200
Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Jack Coan (17) throws a pass 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 200 /
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Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) runs to throw the ball to Cincinnati Bearcats fans after the NCAA football game on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Ind. Cincinnati Bearcats defeated Notre Dame Fighting Irish 24-13.Cincinnati Bearcats At Notre Dame Fighting Irish 222
Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) runs to throw the ball to Cincinnati Bearcats fans after the NCAA football game on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Ind. Cincinnati Bearcats defeated Notre Dame Fighting Irish 24-13.Cincinnati Bearcats At Notre Dame Fighting Irish 222 /

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

The Outcome

Sure, the Notre Dame football team was an underdog, and sure the Cincinnati Bearcats were the No. 7-ranked team in the country going into this game, but the outcome was quite a surprise. Not only did the Irish snap their home winning streak, but they looked hapless doing so, and likely ended any chance they had of making it back to the College Football Playoff.

Cincinnati came into this game on a mission, as they were playing against their former defensive coordinator from a year ago, and wanted to make a statement. The Bearcats harassed the Irish all game long, played outstanding on both sides of the ball, and in the end, they were pretty much in control from the outset.

What was an 11-point loss felt more like a 21-point loss based on how terrible the Irish were on offense, and how Desmond Ridder was able to do what he wanted against this defense time and time again. It was a bad loss, but this is not a championship-caliber squad just yet, and they still have a chance to finish 11-1, which would be an outstanding finish for this group.

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