Notre Dame football: Irish first half observations vs Ohio State

Sep 3, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Audric Estime (7) runs as he is tackled by Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau (44) during the first quarter at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Audric Estime (7) runs as he is tackled by Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau (44) during the first quarter at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /
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Notre Dame football
Sep 3, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Tyler Buchner (12) drops to throw during the first quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

Notre Dame football: Irish first half observations vs Ohio State

Buchner is the real deal

Going into his first start for the Irish, Tyler Buchner was thrown right into the fire, taking on the No. 2 team in the country. However, instead of him looking like a player who has never started a collegiate game, and has not started a game in three years, Buchner was poised beyond his years, putting together an excellent first half.

Buchner started 8-of-8 passing, including a perfect touchdown drive where he spread the ball around to four different receivers. In total, Buchner threw for 128 yards in the first half, completed passes to five players, and has shown the ability to navigate this offense against a very tough Ohio State team.

If Buchner can play the way he did in the first half after the break, controlling the ball and keeping Ohio State off the field, the Irish are in good shape to possibly shock the Buckeyes. He is certainly not afraid of this big moment, and it is clear why he was named the starter over Drew Pyne this summer.