The College Football National Championship tonight features an unexpected clash between Notre Dame and Ohio State. With neither team initially favored to make it this far, the game caps off a season full of surprises. Both squads have endured challenges to reach this stage, showcasing resilience and determination. For fans, however, tuning in might require navigating some logistical hurdles. Let’s break down the matchup.
- Ohio State Triumphs: The Buckeyes claimed their first national title since 2014, powered by Quinshon Judkins’ standout performance and Will Howard’s efficient quarterbacking.
- Notre Dame’s Resilience: Despite setbacks, the Fighting Irish showed grit throughout the season but struggled against Ohio State’s speed and precision in the championship.
- Judkins Makes History: With seven postseason touchdowns, Judkins etched his name in CFP lore, leading Ohio State to a historic victory as the No. 8 seed.
- Strategic Decisions Questioned: Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman faced scrutiny for late-game decisions, highlighting the fine margins at this level of competition.
The Ohio State Buckeyes claimed their first national title in over a decade, defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 34-23 in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff National Championship. Running back Quinshon Judkins powered the Buckeyes with three touchdowns, while head coach Ryan Day silenced his critics after enduring months of scrutiny.
Notre Dame’s journey has been remarkable. Despite a midseason loss to Northern Illinois—an upset that would have eliminated title hopes in previous formats—the team rebounded with a 13-game winning streak. Their defense, ranked second nationally, played a pivotal role in their semifinal victory over Penn State.
Ohio State, on the other hand, overcame its own setbacks. A season-ending loss to Michigan initially cast doubt on their chances. However, a team meeting reignited their focus, leading to dominant playoff performances, including a decisive win over Oregon. Now, they’re poised to claim their first national title since 2014.
The Buckeyes’ journey to the championship was historic, as they became just the fifth team in the AP poll era to win a national title without claiming their conference championship. Despite being an underdog as the No. 8 seed, Ohio State capitalized on their talent and depth to secure the title.
Judkins and Howard Lead the Way
Ohio State’s offensive stars shone brightly on the big stage. Quarterback Will Howard was nearly flawless, completing 14 of his first 15 passes and finishing with two touchdowns. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly orchestrated a balanced attack, exploiting Notre Dame’s highly regarded defense that had allowed just 14.3 points per game all season.
Judkins, a transfer from Ole Miss, capped off a remarkable postseason by scoring three touchdowns and tallying over 100 all-purpose yards. His 70-yard run in the third quarter set the tone for the Buckeyes’ dominance. With seven postseason touchdowns, Judkins etched his name into CFP history, surpassing the likes of Ezekiel Elliott and DeVonta Smith.
A Tough Start for the Irish
Notre Dame opened the game with a statement, driving 75 yards on an 18-play drive that lasted nearly 10 minutes. Quarterback Riley Leonard ran the ball nine times during the possession, eventually punching it in for the score. However, the exhausting effort took its toll—Leonard was visibly fatigued, even vomiting on the sideline after the drive.
The Irish defense struggled to contain Ohio State’s speed and precision. The Buckeyes responded with touchdowns on their first four possessions, setting a national championship record.
Notre Dame’s Late Push Falls Short
Despite falling behind 31-7 in the third quarter, Notre Dame refused to go quietly. A pair of second-half touchdowns and a successful two-point conversion narrowed the gap to a single possession. However, critical errors—including a missed field goal and a questionable decision to kick on fourth-and-goal—derailed their comeback.
Notre Dame’s head coach Marcus Freeman, aiming to become the first Black coach to win a national championship at the highest level, faced criticism for opting for a field goal attempt instead of going for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Kicker Mitch Jeter missed the 27-yard attempt, doinking it off the left upright, leaving the score at 31-15.
A Historic Victory for Ohio State
The win marks Ohio State’s first national title since 2014 and provides redemption for Ryan Day, who had faced intense scrutiny after losing four consecutive games to Michigan. Day’s leadership, combined with the Buckeyes’ explosive playmakers, proved too much for the Fighting Irish.
Notre Dame, meanwhile, continues its quest for a national title, which has eluded the program since 1988. While their defense and determination carried them to the championship game, the lack of speed and offensive consistency proved decisive.
The College Football Playoff expanded to 12 teams for the first time this season, creating opportunities for underdog teams like Ohio State to thrive despite setbacks. The broader format aimed to increase competition and reduce reliance on subjective rankings, a factor that played a pivotal role in Notre Dame and Ohio State’s journeys to the championship game.
Takeaways from the Game
- Ohio State’s Speed: The Buckeyes overwhelmed Notre Dame with their athleticism, a stark contrast to the physical mismatch the Irish faced in past title losses.
- Judkins’ Impact: The star running back delivered when it mattered most, cementing his legacy in CFP history.
- Freeman’s Learning Curve: Notre Dame’s head coach has much to build on but will likely face offseason scrutiny for strategic decisions in the game.
Ohio State has set the standard for the expanded College Football Playoff era, and with a deep roster and strong coaching staff, they appear poised to contend again in 2025.
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