The Ohio State Buckeyes claimed their first national title in a decade, defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 34-23 in a gripping College Football Playoff National Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The Buckeyes, who entered the playoffs as the No. 8 seed, became the first two-loss team to win the championship in 18 years.
Offensive Fireworks
Ohio State's offense, led by quarterback Will Howard, put on a masterclass in efficiency. Howard completed 17 of 21 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns, boasting an impressive 204.8 passer rating. The Buckeyes' ground game was equally potent, amassing 214 rushing yards with an average of 5.2 yards per carry. Running back Quinshon Judkins was the standout performer, racking up 100 yards and two touchdowns on just 11 carries, including a game-changing 70-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.Notre Dame's offense, while productive, couldn't match the Buckeyes' firepower. Quarterback Riley Leonard completed 22 of 31 passes for 255 yards and two touchdowns, connecting frequently with receiver Jaden Greathouse, who finished with six catches for 128 yards and two scores.
Defensive Dominance
The Buckeyes' defense proved to be the difference-maker, limiting Notre Dame to just 53 rushing yards and a meager 2.0 yards per carry. This stifling run defense forced the Irish to rely heavily on their passing game, despite Leonard's efforts to keep drives alive with his legs.
Turning Point
After Notre Dame took an early 7-0 lead, Ohio State responded with 21 unanswered points in the second quarter, including Judkins' electrifying 70-yard touchdown run. This offensive explosion gave the Buckeyes a commanding lead they would never relinquish.
Late Drama
The Fighting Irish showed resilience in the fourth quarter, mounting a comeback that brought them within eight points. Leonard found Greathouse for a 30-yard touchdown, followed by a successful two-point conversion, narrowing the score to 31-23 with 4:15 remaining. However, Ohio State's offense rose to the occasion when it mattered most. Facing a crucial third-and-11 with under three minutes left, Howard connected with freshman sensation Jeremiah Smith for a 56-yard gain, effectively sealing the victory.
Championship Legacy
This victory marks Ohio State's ninth national championship in program history and their first since the inaugural College Football Playoff in 2014.
For head coach Ryan Day, it's a moment of redemption following criticism earlier in the season. As the confetti fell in Atlanta, the Buckeyes celebrated not just a game won, but a season of perseverance, having overcome early setbacks to claim college football's ultimate prize.
For a full breakdown of the game, make sure to read Len Clark's analysis at the Len Zone!