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Notre Dame Football: 3 takeaways from crushing loss to Cincinnati

By James Costanz

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 02: Kyren Williams #23 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish dives for a touchdown during the second half against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Notre Dame Stadium on October 2, 2021 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 02: Kyren Williams #23 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish dives for a touchdown during the second half against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Notre Dame Stadium on October 2, 2021 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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For the second time on Saturday, college football fans were blessed with a showdown between two top 10 teams. This one was far more entertaining and close than the matchup between No. 2 Georgia and No. 8 Arkansas.

This one felt a bit more intense, as both Notre Dame football and Cincinnati knew this was each of their most important game left on the schedule. A win here would be a statement to the rest of the country and a boost on their College Football Playoff resume.

After a scoreless first quarter, Cincinnati started to control the pace of this game. Cincy was able to capitalize on mistakes made by the Irish to head into halftime with a 17-0 lead. This deficit led to Jack Coan being benched in favor of Drew Pyne.

Pyne gave Notre Dame the jolt of energy they needed to get back in this game. Pyne also got the crowd back into this game, which was very much needed in a big game like this.

Another key to this comeback was Cincinnati kicker Cole Smith missing two field goals. Had Smith hit both, Cincy could have had a 23-6 4th quarter lead. Instead, Notre Dame kept hanging around and would cut the deficit to four points off this 32-yard connection between Pyne and Braden Lenzy.

Cincy would respond with a great drive that culminated in a Desmond Ridder rushing touchdown which quieted the comeback and gave Cincinnati their statement victory. This loss was Notre Dame’s first home loss since September of 2017.

With Notre Dame’s playoff hopes left in shambles, what did we learn from this game?

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