Notre Dame football: Irish first half observations vs Ohio State

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Sep 3, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) drops to throw during the first quarter against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

We are in for a dogfight

Going into the half at 10-7, you have to think that we are just getting started, as both of these teams were ranked in the top 5 by the Associated Press going into the season. Stroud has 99 yards and a score so far, but his best target, Smith-Njigba was out for a bit in the first half and should be ready to go after halftime.

If the Irish can continue to put the pressure on Stroud, and the offense continues to stay well balanced, you have to like their chances of keeping this one tight. In fact, this could be one of those games where a turnover turns the game on its head, so protecting the football and avoiding the big mistake will prove paramount across the next two quarters.

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: Tyler Buchner perfect during first Irish TD drive of 2022

The Notre Dame football program re-took the lead against Ohio State Saturday night thanks to an outstanding drive by Tyler Buchner.

Notre Dame football was supposed to go into Ohio Stadium and get blown out, but through the first 30 minutes, it has been the opposite. This would be an incredible first game if Freeman can put together one more half of football against one of the best teams in the country, and firmly plan the Irish in the College Football Playoff picture.

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