Reporters roundtable: Was opening win over Notre Dame encouraging result for Ohio State?
Editor's note: After each Ohio State football game, beat reporters Joey Kaufman and Bill Rabinowitz discuss the lasting storylines and other key developments.
It took a late rally for Ohio State to prevail in its long-anticipated season opener against Notre Dame.
Touchdowns on two of their final possessions positioned the Buckeyes for a 21-10 victory over the Irish after points had been hard to come by for most of Saturday night.
The gritty win stood in contrast to a lot of recent triumphs throughout Ryan Day’s coaching tenure in Columbus in which a scoring onslaught ensued.
The Buckeyes’ 21 points were their fewest in a game since Day took over the program in 2019 and third-fewest since he first joined the staff in 2017.
Yet … they won?
Was Ohio State's opener against Notre Dame an encouraging one?
Kaufman: Trying to interpret the opener is a little difficult if only because it was so unfamiliar relative to other recent results from the Buckeyes. Rarely have we seen Day’s offense so challenged to add to the scoreboard. The only other point of comparison might be the Big Ten championship game against Northwestern in 2020 when Trey Sermon’s record-rushing effort saved them late. So do you see this as an encouraging opener for Ohio State?
Rabinowitz: I do because of the way the defense played and the way the Buckeyes were able to assert themselves in the run game late. The big question coming into the season was whether and how quickly Ohio State's new defense under Jim Knowles could become dominating. Holding Notre Dame scoreless for the final 41 minutes is impressive. Just as important was how the defense looked — confident and aggressive.
Kaufman: That’s where I’ve landed as well. It’s difficult to imagine Ohio State winning a game in that fashion in previous seasons, and that, in a way, is a positive development for the staff. The defense kept the offense within striking distance for a long time. It has to be a lift off Day’s shoulders to know his side of the ball doesn’t need to put up 30 or 40 points in order to get a W. The debut of Knowles’ defense was clearly a success.
Are there concerns with Ohio State's passing game?
Rabinowitz: If there were any real concerns about the passing game, I might feel differently. Losing Jaxon Smith-Njigba early against Notre Dame clearly affected OSU. If Day's assessment that it's a short-term injury is true, all should be well with the passing game soon. Stroud's chemistry and timing with Emeka Egbuka and Marvin Harrison Jr. were off on some key throws. It's hard to simulate what Notre Dame did in practice.
Kaufman: Are there not concerns about the passing game? I’m always weary of reacting to results from Week 1, but even if Smith-Njigba eturns to full strength by the time the Big Ten play begins, it seems like there could still be some growing pains as Stroud builds that chemistry with a new group of receivers. Egbuka and Harrison are talented, and maybe the remaining non-conference slate against Arkansas State and Toledo will present them with ample opportunities, but I did leave Ohio Stadium wondering if the challenge in replacing Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson was too much of an afterthought this offseason.
Ohio State's running game was impressive against Notre Dame
Rabinowitz: I agree that people, myself included, thought the transition to a post-Olave and Wilson passing game would be seamless based on the Rose Bowl. But I doubt it's a long-term issue. As for the running game, Day acknowledged that he should have relied on it earlier than he did, but it got the job done late. I was particularly impressed by how hard Miyan Williams ran on that 95-yard touchdown drive to clinch it. TreVeyon Henderson is still the primary back, but Williams is 1A.
Kaufman: When Williams met with reporters during the first week of preseason camp, he said the staff was encouraging him to be a “power back,” and that style certainly stood out on the game-sealing drive as he dragged defenders with him. Looking at the Pro Football Focus numbers, 65 of his 84 rushing yards came after contact. That’s a lot of tough yards. The combination of him and Henderson is one they should rely on as their receivers get healthy. Not only was Smith-Njigba limited against Notre Dame, but Julian Fleming was also out.
Ohio State's defense played 'lights-out' against Notre Dame
Rabinowitz: Let's shift to the defense. I expected that unit to have some growing pains in the new scheme, but it really didn't. Notre Dame's opening field goal was made possible by a missed tackle by safety Josh Proctor (who was soon replaced by Lathan Ransom). Backup defensive linemen were in during the Irish's only touchdown drive. Otherwise, the defense played lights out. Notre Dame's last six possessions ended in punts. The Irish gained only 72 yards in the second half. Impressive.
Kaufman: Oklahoma State had one of the best second-half defenses in the nation last season. It allowed four fewer points on average over the final two quarters than the first two. Knowles can make halftime adjustments, and the Buckeyes are benefiting right off the bat.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Was Ohio State football's opening win over Notre Dame encouraging?
