Ohio State vs. Notre Dame football score, takeaways, reactions for Week 1

Ohio State recovered from an early deficit in a win over Notre Dame

That vaunted Ohio State offense was supposed to make a statement against Notre Dame in the marquee Week 1 game on the college football schedule.

But after an apparent injury to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and some real struggles on the offensive side of the ball, the Buckeyes had to grind out the win with a come from behind effort in the first half.

Here's what you need to know about the game in Columbus.

Ohio State vs. Notre Dame score, Week 1 reactions

Ohio State 21, Notre Dame 10

Coming into the game, Ohio State was the No. 2 team in the AP top 25 college football rankings and Notre Dame the No. 5 team in the poll.

Expect the Buckeyes to stay locked in at second overall this week as top-ranked Alabama rolled over Utah State, but the Irish will fall in the updated rankings.

Ohio State strikes first

In the first quarter, C.J. Stroud connected with Emeka Egbuka for the first touchdown of the Buckeyes' season and the 7-3 lead.

No, that's not @chrisolave_.

It's @emeka_egbuka, and he's another talented @OhioStateFB WR. pic.twitter.com/zK5a5pZvkr

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 4, 2022

Luck of the Irish

Notre Dame opened up the 10-7 advantage early in the second quarter when back Audric Estime dove over the pile to cap off an 87 yard drive.

But it was Matt Solerno's crazy catch that kept the Irish drive alive.

MATT SALERNO CIRCUS CATCH 🎪https://t.co/tRrG16Bpmf

— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 4, 2022

Notre Dame in control early

It was the Irish offense, not the Buckeyes, that got the better reviews in the first half of the game, especially the play of quarterback Tyler Buchner.

And that of Notre Dame's defense, which rallied to the challenge of stopping the reigning No. 1 offense in college football on the road.

Doubt anyone would've predicted Tyler Buchner, in his first big game, a start at OSU no less, would have better numbers than CJ Stroud. Impressed by the young QB: 8 of 10 for 128 yards and taking a 10-7 lead into the half. Plus ND D held explosive offense to only 5.3 yds per play

— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) September 4, 2022

Buckeyes' offense struggled

Throwing lanes were hard to come by for Stroud, who faced an inspired Irish pass rush, and whose receivers had difficultly creating space consistently.

Not having JSN is obviously going to take something out of the Ohio State offense, but the Buckeyes are supposed to have plenty of others weapons.

Give ND a lot of credit. Stroud has rarely looked comfortable and confident. No easy yards.

— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP) September 4, 2022

And then it came right back

With the seconds ticking in the 3rd quarter, Ohio State needed a statement play, and got it when Stroud connected with Xavier Johnson on the go-ahead touchdown play to regain the lead.

RIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE ‼️

OHIO STATE TAKES THE LEAD IN THE 3RD 👀 pic.twitter.com/WNtRAtGqrA

— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) September 4, 2022

And finished the job

Another major statement for the Buckeyes offense, driving a hard-earned 95 yards over 14 plays in 7 minutes 6 seconds to take the 21-10 lead over Notre Dame on Miyan Williams' touchdown run.

Ohio State makes it 21-10 behind the power running of Miyan Williams💪@LettermenRow
https://t.co/Fin9qvAeD6

— On3 (@On3sports) September 4, 2022

Notre Dame struggles continue

Notre Dame drops to 2-22 against AP top-5 opponents since 1999 after going 13-4 from 1988-1998

— Matt Brown (@MattBrownCFB) September 4, 2022

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