The final match to determine who wins the national championship game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish took place on Jan. 20th at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. This was an outstanding game that brought entertainment to both the fans and players.
For those who don’t know, the College Football Playoff National Championship, launched in 2014, replaced the Bowl Championship to crown college football’s top team through a four-team playoff. Iconic moments include Ohio State’s 2015 victory, Clemson’s last-second win over Alabama in 2017, and Georgia’s dominant 2022 and 2023 titles.
Known for thrilling games and a Super Bowl-like atmosphere, the event expanded to a 12-team format in 2024 instead of a 4-team format, promising even more excitement.
The Buckeyes were led by their head coach Ryan Day and guided by quarterback Will Howard. With Day’s history of leading the Buckeyes to a perfect 12-0 season record in 2019 as his first season as a head coach, it makes sense that the Buckeyes have made their way into the high ranks.
Day’s record of being a head coach has landed his team five wins and three losses regarding the bowls. Even though Day is the head coach, thanks can also be given to Howard as their quarterback. Howard and Day have led their team to achieve three consecutive wins.
This was the Irish’s first time participating in the CFP since 2012. Led by their head coach Marcus Freeman, his history of winning the Gator Bowl, Sun Bowl, the first round in the CFP, Sugar Bowl and Orange Bowl are all impressive feats that prove that the Buckeyes deserve their place in the top ten college football teams.
Leonard has played a big role for the team as well. Being their quarterback, Leonard has to guide and direct his team to take the win. Thanks to Freeman and Leonard, the Buckeyes have consecutively won five games.
However, their opponent whom they are facing this time is actually ranked three spots behind them. According to NCAA college football rankings, the Buckeyes are ranked in spot six and the Fighting Irish ranked spot three. Their records are almost identical with the Buckeyes having a 10-2 and the Irish 11-1.
Writer Will Backus for CBS Sports states that “Notre Dame has not beaten Ohio State since 1936. The Fighting Irish’s only wins in the series came in 1935 and 1936.” Fans have placed their bets and predictions that the Buckeyes will beat the Fighting Irish.
Fans all around have teemed with excitement and were desperately waiting to see the results of the CFP National Championship. They waited to see Day’s and Freeman’s coaching skills and how effective they are against each other.
Most people believed Ohio State would take the win of the championship, and they did.
Ohio State University took the win against Notre Dame 34 to 23.
