Notre Dame defense will get a serious test from Ohio State

“You want an opportunity to go and play against the best,” Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman said. “There is no better way to see where we are as a football team.” (Robert Franklin/South Bend Tribune via AP)

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — No. 5 Notre Dame relishes its Saturday night challenge.

The Fighting Irish open the season at No. 2 Ohio State, facing an offense that led the FBS in total yards and scoring last season, and is only expected to improve in C.J. Stroud’s second season as the starting quarterback.