For 3 quarters, Ohio State played an exceptional game against Notre Dame defensively. The Buckeyes stifled the best offense in the country for a paltry 5 goals. Caleb Fyock cleaned up when the defense broke down. And the Buckeyes led the national #1 Notre Dame Fighting Irish 6-5.

In the fourth quarter, the wheels totally fell off on the defense. Ohio State allowed 2 goals in 2 minutes to give up the lead. A pair of goals from Ohio State's anemic offense gave them hope. But another two goals allowed gave Notre Dame the game.

But in all honesty and perfect sincerity, Ohio State's defense did more than enough to win. They DESERVED the win. Yet again, the offense, and faceoff group, let the Buckeyes down.

Ever since the halcyon days of 2017, the Buckeyes have found new, creative ways to let the program down on offense. Usually at the hands of Notre Dame, in one way or other.

I will never forget the 12-0 loss in South Bend a while back. Last year's demolition in Columbus. There's little excuse.

Garrett Haas has suddenly gotten butter laces, and is turning the vall over alarmingly often. Alex Marinier hasn't lived up to last year's production. The disappearance of Liam White as a dodging threat is criminal. Russell Melendez is a liability, if he can't score.

In full fairness, I don't feel like the Ohio State Buckeyes have been poor in scheme all year. I do strongly feel like the execution has been abysmal the past two to three games on offense. That MUST change if the Buckeyes are going to do anything.

Ultimately, this game wasn't a disaster. It's incredibly frustrating. Infuriating. Gut-wrenching. Pick your phrase. But it was a single goal loss in a game where the Buckeyes largely outplayed Notre Dame. For 45 minutes, if you want to be specific.

Is it good enough? No. Not even close. Is there room to improve? Absolutely. Is the season over? Not even close.

Ohio State welcomes Denver in a must-win finale to the nonconference slate in a week, just before the conference slate begins. From here on out, Ohio State can afford to lose one game. Maybe. Otherwise, they will be in some trouble for making the postseason.

Regroup. Get healthy. Get better. And this team can still go places.

The offense just needs to get a LOT better in some areas.

Go Buckeyes.

See you next week.