SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio – Despite a 10-point comeback from the Notre Dame College football team to force overtime, the Falcons lost 23-20 to Glenville State as the Pioneers upset the No. 6 team in the country to end NDC's 20-game regular-season winning streak.
 
Glenville State wasted no time getting things rolling in its direction as the Pioneers marched downfield on their first possession to score on a 57-yard reverse pass trick play as wide receiver Javon Butler threw a ball to fellow receiver Caleb Wynn.
 
On the following drive the GSC defense would come up big, intercepting a pass at their own one-yard line to halt a Notre Dame drive that looked like it may tie things up. Dom Cizauskas made one of several big plays he would have throughout the game with the interception. Cizauskas would lead the game with 14 tackles to pair with 2.5 tackles for a loss and a forced fumble.
 
After missing two field goals in the remainder of the first quarter, Glenville State would finally hit one at the end of the second quarter to go into halftime leading 10-0. Head coach Mike Jacobs said the first touchdown drive was a big swing in the first half momentum.
 
"I thought that trick play carried them the rest of the half," Jacobs said.
 
Notre Dame mounted a comeback, which was a signature for the team in 2018, scoring 17 points in the second half, including the final 10 points. NDC allowed just seven points in the second half, shutting the Pioneers out in the fourth quarter to force overtime.
 
Jaleel McLaughlin caught a pass from Chris Brimm for the Falcons' first touchdown of the day from five yards out after Marvelle Ross set up the possession deep in GSC territory after a 43-yard punt return.
 
Glenville State replied with a touchdown of its own, but Notre Dame would close things out with 10-straight points, beginning with a 40-yard field goal from Tanner Harding to make it 17-10.
 
McLaughlin would again score, this time on a one-yard run, to tie it up with 3:42 to play. The short touchdown was set up by yet another big play by the Falcons. McLaughlin took off for a 39-yard carry to put his team on the one-yard line. The sophomore rushing sensation was propelled by a huge block from Zaire Mitchell, who was set in motion prior to the snap.
 
Mitchell, just one of three tight ends to play throughout the contest, was used heavily in the blocking scheme per usual.
 
"We use our tight ends in multiple roles," Jacobs said. "Not only do they need to be able to catch, but they have to be able to physical at the point of attack and be hard on the perimeter. If we can get the perimeter blocks or backside blocks, those are often what spring big runs."
 
The Falcons were the first with the ball in overtime and Hardin hit another clutch field goal, this time from 38 yards out to put NDC up 20-17.
 
"I thought Tanner had a fantastic day for us today," Jacobs said. "The wind was really challenging; it was blowing pretty hard most of the day. Their kicker, who has been one of the most accurate kickers at any level, struggled today and Tanner came in and got it done."
 
Glenville State then took over and ran just two plays as quarterback Jaylen McNair hit Javon Butler for a 25-yard pass in the end zone to win 23-20.
 
Defensively, the Falcons were led by Guam Lee, who totaled 10 tackles and 3.5 tackles for a loss. Derrick Brumfield also found his way into the backfield, coming up with 2.5 tackles for a loss. Curtis Collins recorded five solo stops to become the first player at Notre Dame to record 200 tackles at the NCAA level.
 
After the game, Jacobs told his team there is still a lot to play for moving forward.
 
"I reminded our players that we're 9-1 and still have a chance to win the outright conference championship next week. We still are in the mix to be in the playoffs and potentially host a game. I reminded them that our main goals are still in front of us."
 
Notre Dame will finish the regular season on the road next week at West Virginia State. The Saturday, November 16, game will kick at 12 p.m.