College football fans understand that some games stay with you and cause countless arguments long after the final whistle. Indeed, one of those games was the thrilling conclusion between Ohio State and Notre Dame in their 2023 meeting.
Fans were again passionately discussing which team deserved the victory when a viral old video of the game’s dramatic closing minutes reappeared.
Resurfaced Video of Kyle McCord’s Clutch Drive in Ohio State’s Win Over Notre Dame Has CFB Fans Buzzing
In the social media video, Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord leads a pivotal late-game drive against a formidable Notre Dame defense.
Throwback to the final 5 minutes of ND vs Ohio State in South Bend 😳
Featuring a Kyle McCord money drive. pic.twitter.com/MDJlwogJyA
— College Football Report (@CFBRep) May 4, 2025
In the closing seconds, McCord organized a series of plays that resulted in a game-winning score as the clock was running out and the Buckeyes needed points. The video effectively conveys the stadium atmosphere’s intensity, the spectators’ thunderous cheers, and the event’s overall drama, reminding everyone how exciting that game was.
However, the resurgence of this sensation has also raised the age-old question: Did Ohio State’s victory demonstrate its ability to perform well under duress, or was it just luck?
The last stages of the game have prompted swift commentary from fans on both sides of the rivalry.
In this ongoing discussion, what are the main issues of contention?
The “Luck” Factor vs. Clutch Performance
Some Notre Dame supporters still feel the pain of the defeat and consider Ohio State’s last drive a lucky series of events. The “luckiest team won” argument is fueled by situations like a dubious penalty call here or a fortunate bounce there. The Fighting Irish defense held up well for most of the game, but they lost due to uncontrollable circumstances.
However, Ohio State supporters cite the offensive line’s ability to make critical blocks, the receivers’ clutch catches, and McCord’s poise under duress as examples of their team’s talent and tenacity.
They contend that the Buckeyes demonstrated the qualities of a championship-caliber team and earned the victory by performing well when it counted most.
The argument frequently boils down to how one interprets those critical final plays.
Whatever side supporters choose on the “luck vs. skill” debate, the fact that this game still sparks such heated debate months later says a lot about how fierce the Ohio State-Notre Dame rivalry is. Even though their games aren’t scheduled every year, they are always eagerly awaited and have a significant impact on college football nationwide.
The close contest in 2024 only tends to fan the flames, guaranteeing that future meetings between these two legendary programs will forever be marked on calendars.
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Although there may never be a definitive conclusion to the controversy surrounding this specific finish, college football fans nationwide find it captivating because of its intense passion and involvement.
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