Buckeyes Reign Supreme in College Football Playoff
In an impressive display of skill and determination, the Ohio State Buckeyes emerged victorious against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish with a final score of 34-23, clinching the College Football Playoff National Championship at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Monday night. This monumental win marks Ohio State’s ninth national title, placing them in a tie with USC for the fourth-most championships in NCAA history.
A Historic Comeback
This victory is particularly significant as it represents Ohio State’s first national championship since the 2014 season, the inaugural year of the College Football Playoff. The team has shown tremendous growth since their previous loss to Michigan, bouncing back with commanding wins against formidable opponents like Tennessee (42-17), Oregon in the Rose Bowl (41-21), and Texas in the Cotton Bowl (28-14). Their high-octane offense proved to be a powerful force against Notre Dame.
A Game of Momentum Shifts
The championship game unfolded in dramatic fashion, starting with Notre Dame’s impressive opening drive that lasted 18 plays and chewed up more than nine minutes of clock time in the first quarter. This was largely facilitated by quarterback Riley Leonard and a strong offensive line that set the tone early. Leonard showcased his tenacity, with nine rushing attempts for 34 yards, including a crucial fourth-and-1 conversion on Ohio State’s five-yard line.
Despite some early struggles, the Buckeyes quickly regained their footing. Quarterback Will Howard led a swift 11-play, 75-yard drive that culminated in a touchdown by freshman standout Jeremiah Smith, who executed a clever play that left him wide open in the end zone.
Defensive Dominance
The Ohio State defense stepped up significantly following the initial Notre Dame drive. They forced back-to-back three-and-outs on the Fighting Irish’s second and third possessions, allowing the Buckeyes’ offense to capitalize with two additional touchdown drives before halftime. Quinshon Judkins, an explosive running back, played a pivotal role, scoring two touchdowns in the first half, including a nine-yard run and a well-placed pass from Howard just before the half ended.
Judkins continued to shine, scoring his third touchdown of the night early in the second half, demonstrating his versatility and skill as a key player in the Buckeyes’ offensive strategy. He finished the game with an impressive 100 rushing yards on just 11 carries, along with two receptions for 21 yards.
Intense Final Quarter
As the game progressed, Notre Dame managed to narrow the gap, with Leonard connecting with Jaden Greathouse for a 34-yard touchdown, followed by a successful two-point conversion that made the score 31-15. However, Ohio State faced a scare when Emeka Egbuka fumbled after a 24-yard catch-and-run, giving Notre Dame a chance to capitalize on their first turnover since November.
With the Fighting Irish closing in, Ohio State’s defense held strong, forcing Notre Dame to settle for a field goal attempt that ultimately failed when kicker Mitch Jeter’s 27-yard kick hit the left goal post. Despite the setback, Notre Dame continued to push forward, and Leonard found Greathouse again, this time for a beautiful 30-yard touchdown and another successful two-point conversion, bringing the score within a single touchdown.
Sealing the Victory
With the game tightening, Ohio State found themselves in a critical situation on third-and-11. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly called for a daring deep pass, which Howard executed flawlessly, connecting with Smith for a 57-yard gain that placed the Buckeyes in a commanding position at the nine-yard line.
With the clock winding down and Notre Dame unable to stop the clock, Ohio State successfully ran out the remaining time, solidifying their championship victory and igniting celebrations among players and fans alike.
Final Stats and Standout Performers
In the championship matchup, Leonard completed 20 of 29 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns, while also leading his team in rushing with 40 yards on 17 attempts. Greathouse contributed with five receptions for 11 yards. For Ohio State, Smith led the receiving corps with 89 yards on five catches, while Egbuka added 64 yards on six receptions. Howard had an impressive performance, completing 17 of 21 passes for 231 yards and rushing for 57 yards on 16 carries.
As the Buckeyes bask in their well-deserved victory, this championship triumph will surely be remembered as a testament to their resilience and skill, further solidifying Ohio State’s legacy in college football history.
