Ohio State Football: Kyle McCord came up clutch when he was needed the most
By Ryan Stano
![Sep 23, 2023; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Kyle McCord (6) celebrates after beating Notre Dame Fighting Irish 17-14 at Notre Dame Stadium. Sep 23, 2023; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Kyle McCord (6) celebrates after beating Notre Dame Fighting Irish 17-14 at Notre Dame Stadium.](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/c161335e004caa10cb4fefdf54ed2cc5a6a6d59bc7dc4151650034894b5ce476.jpg)
The Ohio State football team took down Notre Dame 17-14 in a defensive struggle on Saturday night. Even though it was hard for the Buckeyes to move the ball most of the night, Kyle McCord came up big when the Buckeyes needed him the most.
McCord led the Buckeyes on a 15-play 65-yard drive to win the game. On that drive, the McCord completed five passes to help them move the ball. One of those passes was a 3rd and 19 conversion to Emeka Egbuka to keep the drive alive.
Ohio State needed the quarterback to step up and do exactly what he did. McCord had to fight for his job all offseason and even into the first couple of games of the year. Now, he’s the unquestioned leader of the offense and of this team. This was his finest moment yet.
The stats won’t tell the full story of McCord’s game. He had 240 yards on 21/37 passing and no touchdowns. But he moved the ball when the Buckeyes absolutely had to if they were going to win the game. I expect him to only get better as the season goes along too.
The Ohio State football team is now fourth in the polls and is in an excellent position to make the College Football Playoff even if they lose a game. That win at Notre Dame gives them a signature non-conference win that not many other programs across the country have.
Obviously, the Buckeyes want to win all of their games. Saturday night was a great win and now one of the most exciting wins in Ohio State football history. Now it’s time for them to keep the momentum going and play well against more Big Ten opponents.
Next. What Ohio State's win over ND means. dark
McCord showed that he can be trusted. That will pay dividends against other tough teams down the line.