Irish Beat Buckeyes in Thrilling Game by Score of 7-2
This week’s Throwback Thursday takes us back to Notre Dame’s thrilling 7-2 victory over Ohio State on October 31, 1936—the last time the Fighting Irish triumphed over the Buckeyes. As we prepare for Monday’s College Football Playoff Championship, where these two storied programs will clash once again, we are reminded of the perseverance, resolve, and spirit that have come to define Notre Dame football. This year, under the guidance of exceptional leadership from both the coaching staff and the team, the Irish have fought their way into history as participants in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. Their journey has been a testament to hard work and the relentless pursuit of excellence, and now they stand on the cusp of a monumental victory.
Notre Dame and Ohio State have played against each other eight times in history. Notre Dame won twice, and Ohio State won six times. The largest margin of victory for Notre Dame was 18-13 in 1935, while Ohio State’s biggest win was 45-26 in 1995. Notre Dame’s longest winning streak was two games, from 1935 to 1936, whereas Ohio State’s longest was five games, spanning from 1995 to 2023.
In terms of overall records, Ohio State has 977 wins compared to Notre Dame’s 962. Both universities boast seven Heisman Trophy winners each. Notre Dame has produced 109 Consensus All-Americans, surpassing Ohio State’s 93. When it comes to NFL first-round draft picks, Ohio State leads with 93 picks, whereas Notre Dame has had 71. Ohio State has spent more time in the AP Poll, with 998 weeks compared to Notre Dame’s 889 weeks, and Ohio State has also held the AP No. 1 ranking for 105 weeks, while Notre Dame has held it for 98 weeks.
Their first meeting was on November 2, 1935, in Columbus, Ohio, where Notre Dame secured an 18-13 victory. Today, I’ll delve into their matchup on October 31, 1936. The following recap is from the November 13, 1936 issue of the Scholastic Magazine, written by Al Bride.
Irish Beat Buckeyes in Thrilling Game by Score of 7-2
by Al Bride
The largest crowd ever to push its way into the local stadium witnessed an alert Notre Dame team triumph, 7-2, over the tricky ball-handling outfit from Ohio State. Led by California’s speedy “Bunny” McCormick and the hard driving sophomore fullback Simonich the Fighting Irish dominated the Ohioans in every department with the exception of punting.
Rain which showered at intervals did not dim the enthusiasm of the capacity crowd which was brought to its feet in the closing minutes by a determined Ohio State drive that was reminiscent of last year’s contest. Taking the ball deep in its own territory Ohio State passed its way to the Irish 12 yard line before losing the ball on two incomplete passes into the end zone.
Ohio State scored first, capitalizing on a fumble early in the second period. From near his own goal line Miller, on a fake kick, broke through the line only to lose the ball when he was tackled hard by the Scarlet secondary. Ohio State registered a first down, but was then stopped with a touchdown in sight. A safety was good for two points, and the Irish were trailing, 2-0.
After an exchange of kicks the Laydenmen started to move. A pass to McCormick was good on the two yard line, and on the next play McCormick started swiftly to the left, cut in sharply over tackle, and dashed into the end zone for a touchdown. Wojcihovski was rushed in to hold the ball for Danbom, who booted a perfect placement to make the score 7-2.
The second half found Ohio State using every trick in its “razzle dazzle” in an attempt to break loose for a score, but the hard charging Irish line broke up most of the plays before they could get under way. In the closing minutes red shirted receivers managed to elude the Notre Dame secondary, and several completed passes brought the ball to the Irish 12 yard line. In a desperate attempt to score before the gun went off the Ohioans threw two passes into the end zone, both of which were incomplete. According to the new rules Notre Dame received the ball, and for the remaining seconds they held on to it.
One of the features of the game was the performance of Simonich. This husky 200 pounder was given his chance, and he came through in a manner that ought to give the other fullbacks something to worry about. Time after time he crashed through the powerful Ohio line for gains. When not advancing the ball through sheer power this second year man was clearing the way with some of the best blocking displayed by an Irish player to date.
As we look forward to Monday’s game, let’s channel the same fighting spirit that carried Notre Dame to victory in 1936. This team has demonstrated time and again that it has the heart, talent, and leadership to overcome any challenge. From the players leaving everything on the field to the coaching staff inspiring their best, the Irish are ready to seize this moment. Let’s rally behind them as they aim to bring the championship trophy home to South Bend. Go Irish! Beat Ohio State!