Notre Dame football at Ohio State: Studs and Duds from Game No. 1

4 of 5

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 /

Notre Dame football at Ohio State: Studs and Duds from Game No. 1

The Duds – Notre Dame

The Running Backs

Audric Estime earned a surprise start against the Buckeyes and was largely ineffective. Chris Tyree checked in and was also, largely ineffective. Finally, Logan Diggs, who looked incredible last season, was probably the worst of the three as he finished with 4 carries for 9 yards.

These three guys need to be better as the season goes on, and I think they will be. Still it was a disappointing night for the ND running backs.

The Play Calling

Tommy Rees and Al Golden have some serious work to do. Rees has to call plays that win games, not plays that try not to lose them. There’s a difference, and Rees has to learn that quickly.

As for Golden and the defense, it is unbelievable that he was willing to blitz two safeties and leave our corners one on one in the red zone. That call led to a Stroud to Xavier Johnson touchdown to give the Buckeyes the lead. I don’t understand why he went away from the game plan so suddenly when it had been working to that point.

Cam Hart, CB

Cam Hart was supposed to be the lead CB against Ohio State in order to flash his first-round potential. He did not deliver. Hart was shaky at best in coverage and finished with only 3 total tackles and no passes defensed. I hope he recovers, and I believe he will. It is a long season.

Home/Notre Dame Football