The Ohio State Buckeyes emerged victorious in a thrilling national championship showdown against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, securing a 34-23 win on Monday night. The Buckeyes, entering the College Football Playoff as an 8-seed team, toppled the higher-seeded Notre Dame, a 7-seed, to capture their first national championship title in a decade. The victory, marking Ohio State's seventh national title in program history, unfolded in a dramatic fashion at the culmination of their 16th game of the season.
Ohio State's triumph disrupted Notre Dame's impressive 13-game winning streak, as the Fighting Irish sought their first national championship since 1988. The Buckeyes' strategic prowess was evident early on, with a commanding 31-7 lead midway through the third quarter. However, Notre Dame rallied in the closing stages, narrowing the gap to eight points with just four minutes remaining on the clock. Despite this late push, Ohio State maintained their composure to clinch the victory.
Under the astute leadership of Coach Ryan Day, Ohio State showcased remarkable consistency throughout the season. With a formidable 70-10 record and an 87.5% winning percentage, Day ranks second among coaches with at least 80 FBS games. His guidance has been instrumental in steering the Buckeyes to this championship milestone.
"It's the reason you get into coaching, to see guys overcome things, learn life lessons and then reach their dreams. This is what happened tonight." – Ryan Day
Ohio State's offensive lineup proved critical in their championship success. Running back Quinshon Judkins delivered an outstanding performance, rushing for 100 yards and scoring three touchdowns. Meanwhile, Notre Dame's quarterback Riley Leonard demonstrated his prowess with 255 passing yards and two touchdown passes, although his efforts ultimately fell short.
The game added another chapter to Ohio State's dominance over Notre Dame, marking their seventh consecutive victory against the Fighting Irish. This series of wins underscores Ohio State's formidable presence in college football and their ability to rise to significant challenges.
"We had to address all the issues we had on the team," – Tyleik Williams
"The leadership on this team is like I've never seen. That wouldn't have happened a couple years ago." – Tyleik Williams
The Buckeyes' journey to the national championship was not without its hurdles. However, their perseverance and adaptability were evident throughout the season. Tyleik Williams highlighted the pivotal role of team leadership and how addressing internal issues paved the way for their success.
In contrast, Notre Dame faced disappointment in their quest for a national title. Head Coach Marcus Freeman expressed his sentiments following the defeat.
"We didn't get it done, and it hurts," – Marcus Freeman
"My job is to figure out why, and I will. But I told these guys, they've left this program better. I don't care if you were here for one year or you've been here for six years, our program is in a better place." – Marcus Freeman
Freeman's acknowledgment of his team's progress reflects a commitment to building on this season's experiences for future endeavors. Despite falling short in the championship game, Notre Dame demonstrated resilience and tenacity throughout their campaign.
The absence of an SEC team in the CFP title game for the second consecutive season highlights a shifting landscape in college football championships. As Ohio State celebrates its victory, discussions regarding conference representation and competitiveness continue to evolve.
"Look, our program is never going to be defined by one other program — never," – Ross Bjork
"I don't pay attention to [the criticism]," – Chip Kelly
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