Notre Dame football: 3 takeaways from heartbreaking loss to Ohio State

1. What’s next for Notre Dame football?

Although it doesn’t get any easier for the Irish traveling to play Riley Leonard and No. 18 Duke in Durham, they cannot allow Ohio State to beat them twice like last season. After a close loss in Columbus, Notre Dame looked flat in a loss to Marshall. Head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff must get their players to shake off a tough loss.

Much was made of the improved wide receiver group during the offseason. However, no one stepped up and made big plays for Notre Dame tonight. Hartman completed passes to seven different receivers, but tight end Mitchell Evans led Notre Dame in receiving, not a perimeter receiver.

What’s next for Ohio State?

This was the win Ohio State needed. Pundits and fans alike questioned the toughness of this team. Notre Dame is about as physical as they come, and the Buckeyes found a way to win. Kyle McCord proved he can keep his wits in a big game. As they head into Big Ten Play, this was the ideal game for him and Ohio State.

The Buckeyes host Maryland in the Horseshoe after an off week.