Ohio State is recognizing three players from its 17-14 win in the top-10 matchup against Notre Dame. Quarterback Kyle McCord was named offensive player of the game, defensive tackle Tyleik Williams was defensive player of the game, and punter Jesse Mirco was named special teams player of the game.
McCord finished the game with 21 completions on 37 attempts (56.8 percent), throwing for 240 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions. He may not have scored, but he was able to keep the Buckeyes offense on the field in times where they needed close to miracles. On just the last drive that ended with Chip Trayanum barely getting into the end zone to win, he converted on third-and-10, fourth-and-7 and third-and-19. He showed up when the Buckeyes needed it most, remaining calm the whole way through in his first ever “matchup game” as the team has been calling it.
Williams finished the game with four tackles (three solo), one tackle for loss, a pass broken up that was almost an interception, and a quarterback pressure, something the Buckeyes weren’t able to do much. Against one of the best offensive lines in the country, Williams – who credits his improved performance this season to diving deeper into the film – showed up big in the win over the Figthing Irish and was recognized for doing so.
Ohio State was forced to punt three times in the game, Mirco did what he could with the opportunities, putting two of them inside the 20-yard line. The Fighting Irish were forced to start the fourth quarter from their own 4-yard line after his 37-yarder. They did push down the field to score, but his great punts earned him special teams player of the week.
