Ohio State Claims First National Title in a Decade, Outlasting Notre Dame

Ohio State Claims First National Title in a Decade, Outlasting Notre Dame

by

Notre Dame Faces Ohio State’s Wrath in National Title Game, Buckeyes Secure First Championship in a Decade

Ohio State Claims First National Title in a Decade, Outlasting Notre Dame
Image Credit: @espn

Notre Dame became the latest team to experience what the rest of Ohio State’s opponents learned during this newly expanded College Football Playoff: when a team is driven by anger, remarkable things can happen.

In the inaugural year of the College Football Playoff expanding from four to 12 teams, Ohio State emerged as the champions.

Despite being seeded No. 8 after a stunning late-season loss to Michigan, the Buckeyes dominated their playoff journey, winning the national championship game 34-23 against No. 7 seed Notre Dame at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Ohio State’s season seemed doomed after a crushing defeat to Michigan at Ohio Stadium, dropping Ryan Day’s record against the Wolverines to 1-4.

The loss left fans calling for his firing, yet the Buckeyes knew their playoff spot was still secure in the newly expanded format. The only way to redeem themselves—and appease the passionate Buckeye faithful—was by winning the national title

“It’s a great story about a bunch of guys who have overcome some really tough situations,” Day said. “There was a point where a lot of people counted us out, and we just kept swinging and kept fighting. This is what you get into coaching for, to see guys overcome things, learn life lessons, and reach their dreams. This is what happened tonight.”

This marks Ohio State’s first national championship since the 2014 season, when they won the inaugural College Football Playoff.

Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins, who rushed for 100 yards and two touchdowns, added a receiving touchdown, and had 11 carries, shared his thoughts: “I think this is just what a player dreams of, to be in a national championship game.

Not only do you experience it, but you also make plays in that game. A huge thanks to my teammates and coaches for getting me to this position.”

Ohio State’s Dominant Playoff Run

The Buckeyes turned their shocking loss to Michigan into fuel. That defeat ignited a fire in them, and every team they faced afterward was overwhelmed. Ohio State outscored its opponents 145-75 in the playoffs.

It began with a win over No. 9 seed Tennessee in freezing Columbus. Then came a victory against No. 1 Oregon at the Rose Bowl. In the Cotton Bowl semifinal, No. 5 seed Texas came close to stopping Ohio State, but a game-changing scoop-and-score by Sawyer crushed their hopes.

Next up was Notre Dame, which opened the game with a 7-0 lead but soon saw Ohio State rattle off 31 straight points.

“There were some mistakes on both sides of the ball, communication issues, and self-inflicted wounds,” Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman said. “When you’re facing a team this good, those types of mistakes cost you.”

Notre Dame, hoping for its first national title since 1988, entered the game among the top 10 in 18 categories, including leading the nation in turnovers gained and pass efficiency defense. However, by the time they forced a turnover, they were trailing 31-15. Notre Dame failed to capitalize on a fumble recovery when Mitch Jeter missed a 27-yard field goal attempt.

But the Irish refused to quit. With 4:15 left, quarterback Riley Leonard threw a 30-yard touchdown pass to Jaden Greathouse, and a trick play conversion made it 31-23.

Ohio State then sealed the game with a big play. Quarterback Will Howard connected with wide receiver Jeremiah Smith for a 56-yard gain to Notre Dame’s 10-yard line, setting up a 33-yard field goal by Jayden Fielding with 26 seconds remaining.

Howard, named offensive player of the game, was brilliant, completing 13-of-13 passes before his first incompletion in the second quarter. He finished 17-of-21 for 231 yards and two touchdowns.

Smith, a 19-year-old freshman likely to be an NFL draft pick, had five catches for 88 yards and a touchdown.

“Now the stories of these guys will be told because they’ve cemented themselves in Ohio State history,” Day said.

Howard, who transferred from Kansas State, reflected on the season: “To come out on top feels pretty damn good. I’m so thankful that I got the chance to be a Buckeye for even just one year.”

Leave a Comment