NotreDameVsOhioStateScoreTheUpsetOfTheCenturyWasntTheUpsetWeWereToldItWas

The 2023 College Football season is in full swing, and the world is still reeling from the shocking upset that shook the very foundations of the sport. On a chilly autumn afternoon, the undefeated Notre Dame Fighting Irish took on the 10th-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes in a battle for the ages. The game did not disappoint, with the Fighting Irish pulling off a stunning 31-30 victory that will be remembered for generations to come. But was it really the upset of the century, or was it just a product of a well-executed game plan?

As the season progressed, both teams had reason to believe they were on a collision course with greatness. Notre Dame, led by the irrepressible head coach Brian Kelly, had rolled through their schedule with an unprecedented level of dominance, outscoring their opponents by an average margin of 20 points per game. Ohio State, meanwhile, had looked formidable behind the helm of quarterback C.J. Stroud, who had thrown for over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns to start the season.

But on this particular Sunday afternoon, both teams were reminded that anything can happen on the gridiron. The Buckeyes, looking to prove themselves as a legitimate title contender, came into South Bend with a chip on their shoulder and a score to settle. They brought with them a stifling defense that had held opponents to a total of just 71 points over the past four games, and a high-powered offense that had averaged over 40 points per contest.

Notre Dame, meanwhile, was looking to extend its unprecedented 15-game winning streak, which had propelled them into the national conversation. Led by quarterback Tyler Buchner, who had already thrown for over 2,000 yards and 15 touchdowns this season, the Fighting Irish were determined to prove that they were more than just a flash in the pan.

Game Preview: A Tale of Two Teams

The stage was set for a battle for the ages, with two of the best teams in the country facing off in a game that would determine the course of their respective seasons. The Fighting Irish, looking to extend their winning streak and cement their status as national title contenders, were facing off against a Buckeyes team that was looking to prove itself as a legitimate threat.

Here are a few key points to consider going into the game:

• Notre Dame had a 3-1 record against Ohio State, with their only loss coming in 2017.
• The Buckeyes had a 10-1 record against the Fighting Irish, with their only loss coming in 1995.
• The game was being played at 12:30 PM ET on a chilly autumn afternoon in South Bend, Indiana.

Pre-Game Analysis: A Battle of Two Styles

The game between Notre Dame and Ohio State was always going to be a clash of styles. The Fighting Irish, led by head coach Brian Kelly, were known for their disciplined, smash-mouth approach to the game, which had served them so well over the course of the season. They were a team that prided itself on its ability to run the ball, control the clock, and shut down their opponents on defense.

On the other hand, the Buckeyes were a team that thrived on their high-powered offense, which had been one of the most explosive in the country all season. Led by quarterback C.J. Stroud, who had thrown for over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns to start the season, the Buckeyes were a team that was always looking to make a big play and take the ball away from their opponents.

Notre Dame's Ground Game: The Key to Victory

One of the key factors that helped Notre Dame secure their victory was their dominance on the ground. Led by running back Chris Tyree, who had rushed for over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns this season, the Fighting Irish were able to control the clock and wear down the Buckeyes defense.

Here are a few key statistics that highlight the importance of Notre Dame's ground game:

• The Fighting Irish had rushed for over 200 yards per game this season, which was the highest average in the country.
• Notre Dame had scored 15 of its 25 touchdowns on the ground this season, which was the highest total in the country.
• The Buckeyes had struggled to contain opposing running backs this season, allowing an average of over 150 yards per game.

Ohio State's High-Powered Offense: A Threat to the Irish?

On the other hand, the Buckeyes had been facing a stiff test on the road, and were looking to exploit the Irish defense, which had been solid but not spectacular this season. Led by quarterback C.J. Stroud, who had thrown for over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns to start the season, the Buckeyes were a team that was always looking to make a big play and take the ball away from their opponents.

Here are a few key statistics that highlight the importance of Ohio State's high-powered offense:

• The Buckeyes had scored an average of over 40 points per game this season, which was the highest average in the country.
• Ohio State had thrown for over 250 yards per game this season, which was the highest average in the country.
• The Irish defense had struggled to contain opposing quarterbacks this season, allowing an average of over 250 yards per game.

The Turning Point: A Block and a Catch

As the game wore on, both teams continued to exchange blows, with neither side able to gain a clear advantage. But it was a single play, a blocked punt by Ohio State linebacker Israel Mukuamu, that would ultimately prove to be the turning point in the game.

With just over two minutes remaining in the game, the Buckeyes were