This definitely was not in any script that Notre Dame had planned for the CFP National Championship game against Ohio State. Still, so much of what we knew about the Irish was evident in this game — including the will to fight for everything it can get.
It just wasn’t enough.
The Irish got the ball to start the game, and gave fans some hope during an 18 play drive that went 75 yards and took up over 9 minutes of clock — as well as converting two 4th down attempts. Riley Leonard scored on a short touchdown run to make it 7-0 — and Notre Dame looked like they were physically ready to compete against the Buckeyes.