In the most important game on the college football schedule in Week 1, against Notre Dame, that lauded Ohio State offence was meant to make a statement.

However, the Buckeyes had to work for the victory with a comeback effort in the first half due to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-apparent Njigba’s injury and some serious offensive troubles.

What you need to know about the game in Columbus is provided here.

Ohio State vs. Notre Dame score, Week 1 reactions

ten, Ohio State 21, and Notre Dame

In the AP top 25 college football rankings, Ohio State was ranked No. 2 and Notre Dame was ranked No. 5 prior to the game.

As second-ranked Alabama easily defeated Utah State this week, expect the Buckeyes to maintain their position at the top while the Irish will drop in the most recent standings.

Ohio State strikes first

In the first quarter, C.J. Stroud connected with Emeka Egbuka for the first touchdown of the Buckeyes’ season and the 7-3 lead.

No, that's not @chrisolave_.

It's @emeka_egbuka, and he's another talented @OhioStateFB WR. pic.twitter.com/zK5a5pZvkr

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 4, 2022

Luck of the Irish Notre Dame scored early in the second quarter to take a 10-7 lead when back Audric Estime leapt over the pile to finish an 87-yard drive.

However, Matt Solerno’s incredible catch was what kept the Irish drive going.

Twitter reacts to Ohio State’s Week 1 win over Notre Dame

https://twitter.com/i/status/1566223704601796611

Notre Dame in control early

In the first half of the game, the Irish offence, not the Buckeyes, received superior plaudits, particularly for the performance of quarterback Tyler Buchner.

RIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE ‼️

OHIO STATE TAKES THE LEAD IN THE 3RD 👀 pic.twitter.com/WNtRAtGqrA

— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) September 4, 2022

“We just witnessed the last US Open for the greatest of all time, Serena Williams!! Serena has meant so much to sports, the game of tennis, the world, every little girl, and even more to every little Black girl across the globe.” — Basketball Hall of Famer Magic Johnson, via Twitter.

“Serena, THANK YOU. It is because of you I believe in this dream. The impact you’ve had on me goes beyond any words that can be put together and for that I say thank you, thank you, thank you, GOAT!” — Coco Gauff, via Twitter.

“It’s truly been fun to watch Serena not only change the sport of tennis, but more importantly, how she’s helped empower the next generation. Her tennis accomplishments speak for themselves, but one of the things I admire about her is she simply doesn’t quit. On or off the court.” — Olympic swimming gold medalist Michael Phelps, via Twitter.

“I love you (at)serenawilliams. It’s been the pleasure of a lifetime to watch you become what you have. Can’t wait to see what you do next. Thank you my old friend.” — Tennis Hall of Famer Andy Roddick, via Twitter.

“I feel like I really brought something, and bring something, to tennis. The different looks, the fist pumps, the just crazy intensity. I think that obviously the passion I think is a really good word. Yeah, yeah, just continuing through ups and downs. I could go on and on. But I just honestly am so grateful that I had this moment and that I’m Serena.” — Williams, in her press conference.

Responses to Serena Williams’ defeat against Ajla Tomljanovic on Friday night at the U.S. Open, which was supposed to be the last match of her career:

“(at)serenawilliams you’re literally the greatest on and off the court. Thank you for inspiring all of us to pursue our dreams. I love you little sis!!!!!!” — Tiger Woods, via Twitter.

“Congrats on an amazing career, (at)SerenaWilliams. How lucky were we to be able to watch a young girl from Compton grow up to become one of the greatest athletes of all time. I’m proud of you, my friend—and I can’t wait to see the lives you continue to transform with your talents.” — Michelle Obama, via Twitter.

“All heart. So much love.” — Alexis Ohanian, Williams’ husband, via Twitter.

“I think she embodies that no dream is too big and it doesn’t matter where you come from, or the circumstances. You can do anything if you believe in yourself and you love what you do and have an incredible support system and family around you.” — Tomljanovic, in her interview on the court after her victory.