College Football Playoff 2024-25: Championship Showdown Between Notre Dame and Ohio State
As the clock ticks down to the much-anticipated College Football Playoff National Championship, the excitement is palpable. The first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff has whittled down to two formidable contenders: Notre Dame and Ohio State. This thrilling matchup is set to take place on January 20 at the iconic Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, and fans are eagerly awaiting to see which team will break their championship drought.
Notre Dame, the seventh seed, and Ohio State, the eighth seed, are both hungry for victory. For Notre Dame, a win would mark their first national title since 1988, a long-awaited triumph for the Fighting Irish faithful. On the other hand, Ohio State’s last championship win was a decade ago, during the inaugural CFP championship. While not as long a wait as Notre Dame’s, for a team of Ohio State’s caliber, it feels like an eternity.
Both head coaches, Marcus Freeman of Notre Dame and Ryan Day of Ohio State, are on the hunt for their first championships. Freeman’s journey is particularly intriguing, as he faces his alma mater, Ohio State, where he was an All-Big Ten linebacker under coach Jim Tressel. The narrative is rich with history and personal stakes, as Freeman has faced Day and the Buckeyes in the past two seasons, only to come up short. This time, with a masterful coaching season under his belt, Freeman is ready to take on his former team with everything on the line.
Ryan Day, meanwhile, is looking to achieve the ultimate goal for a team that has faced its share of challenges but never stopped fighting. The stage is set for an epic showdown, and here’s what you can expect from this championship clash in Atlanta.
CFP National Championship Presented by AT&T:
No. 7 Notre Dame vs. No. 8 Ohio State
When: Jan. 20 at 7:30 p.m. ET. TV: ESPN
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (14-1)
What we learned in the semifinal: Notre Dame’s resilience and situational awareness have been their hallmark traits this season, and these could be the keys to securing a title. The Irish have battled through injuries all season, including in their semifinal victory over Penn State. They erased two deficits and maintained their dominance in the “middle eight” — the crucial final four minutes of the first half and the first four minutes of the second half. Their prowess on third down, both offensively and defensively, has been a game-changer. Key players like quarterback Riley Leonard, running back Jeremiyah Love, and linebacker Jack Kiser have been instrumental, but the depth of the team is evident with contributions from backup QB Steve Angeli, wide receiver Jaden Greathouse, and kicker Mitch Jeter. This team is tough to beat.
X factor: Jaden Greathouse has emerged as a potential game-changer. Entering the semifinal with modest stats — 29 receptions, 359 yards, one touchdown — he exploded with career highs in receptions (7) and receiving yards (105), including a crucial 54-yard touchdown that tied the game with just over four minutes left. His performance in the second half was pivotal, and if he continues this form, he could be a key weapon for Notre Dame’s offense.
How Notre Dame wins: While Notre Dame may not have the talent edge due to injuries, their grit and determination make them a formidable opponent. They need contributions across all phases of the game and must continue to incorporate downfield passes, a strategy that paid off against Penn State. Maintaining their third-down efficiency and avoiding turnovers will be crucial to their success.
Ohio State Buckeyes (13-2)
What we learned in the semifinal: Ohio State’s defense is championship-caliber, led by senior defensive end Jack Sawyer. His game-clinching play against Texas, a sack and fumble recovery returned for an 83-yard touchdown, was one of the biggest defensive plays in Ohio State history. Despite offensive struggles against a strong Texas defense, the Buckeyes’ defense proved why it’s considered one of the best in college football.
X factor: Lathan Ransom’s critical play on second-and-goal set the stage for Sawyer’s heroics. His tackle for a 7-yard loss forced Texas into a desperate situation, leading to the pivotal fourth-and-goal play. While All-American safety Caleb Downs often steals the spotlight, Ransom and other veterans are crucial to Ohio State’s defensive success.
How Ohio State wins: Ohio State’s offense struggled to get the ball to their top playmaker, true freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, against Texas. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly must devise a plan to involve Smith more, as Notre Dame will likely try to replicate Texas’ defensive strategy. Getting Smith the ball early and often will be key to Ohio State’s offensive success.
- Notre Dame’s resilience and situational awareness are key strengths.
- Ohio State’s defense, led by Jack Sawyer, is championship-caliber.
- Jaden Greathouse and Lathan Ransom are potential X factors for their teams.
- Both teams need to execute their game plans effectively to win.
Originally Written by: ESPN
