College Football Playoff 2024-25: Championship Showdown Between Notre Dame and Ohio State
As the college football season reaches its thrilling climax, fans are eagerly anticipating the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff National Championship. The stage is set for an epic showdown between two storied programs: the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Ohio State Buckeyes. This clash of titans will take place on January 20 at the iconic Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with the coveted CFP National Championship Presented by AT&T on the line.
Both teams have navigated a challenging path to reach this point, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. For Notre Dame, this is an opportunity to end a championship drought that has persisted since 1988. Meanwhile, Ohio State is looking to add another title to its illustrious history, having last won the CFP championship a decade ago. Despite their recent success, the Buckeyes are hungry for more, eager to reaffirm their status as one of college football’s elite programs.
Leading the charge for Notre Dame is head coach Marcus Freeman, who has orchestrated a remarkable season for the Fighting Irish. Freeman, a former All-Big Ten linebacker for Ohio State, now finds himself facing his alma mater with everything on the line. It’s a storyline that adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already captivating matchup. On the other sideline, Ohio State’s Ryan Day is also seeking his first championship as a head coach, determined to guide his team to glory after falling short in previous campaigns.
Let’s dive into what makes this championship matchup so compelling and what fans can expect when these two powerhouses collide in Atlanta. — Adam Rittenberg
CFP National Championship Presented by AT&T:
No. 7 Notre Dame vs. No. 8 Ohio State
When: January 20 at 7:30 p.m. ET. TV: ESPN
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (14-1)
What we learned in the semifinal: Notre Dame’s journey to the championship game has been defined by resilience and situational awareness. These traits were on full display in their semifinal victory over Penn State, where the Irish overcame injuries and erased two deficits. Their ability to dominate the “middle eight” – the final four minutes of the first half and the first four minutes of the second half – has been a key factor in their success. Quarterback Riley Leonard, running back Jeremiyah Love, and linebacker Jack Kiser have been instrumental, but the contributions of backup QB Steve Angeli, wide receiver Jaden Greathouse, and kicker Mitch Jeter cannot be overlooked. This team fights hard and is difficult to knock out.
X factor: Jaden Greathouse emerged as a crucial playmaker in the semifinal, recording career highs in receptions and receiving yards. His 54-yard touchdown catch with just over four minutes to play was a game-changer. As Notre Dame looks to bolster its downfield passing attack, Greathouse’s performance could be pivotal. His ability to step up in clutch moments makes him a player to watch in the championship game.
How Notre Dame wins: While Notre Dame may not have the talent edge, they possess the right traits to compete with any opponent. Contributions in all three phases of the game will be essential, and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock’s emphasis on downfield passes could be a game-changer. Replicating their third-down success from the Penn State game will be crucial, as will maintaining a positive turnover margin. The Irish have the tools to pull off an upset if they execute their game plan effectively. — Rittenberg
Ohio State Buckeyes (13-2)
What we learned in the semifinal: Ohio State’s defense has proven to be championship-caliber, with senior defensive end Jack Sawyer delivering a game-clinching play against Texas. His sack and fumble recovery for a touchdown secured the Buckeyes’ spot in the national title game. While the offense struggled at times, the defense showcased its strength, making crucial stops when it mattered most. This unit, led by standout players like Sawyer and safety Caleb Downs, is a force to be reckoned with.
X factor: Lathan Ransom’s pivotal play on second-and-goal against Texas set the stage for Sawyer’s heroics. Ransom’s ability to disrupt plays and make key tackles highlights the depth of talent in Ohio State’s defense. While Downs garners much of the attention, Ransom’s contributions are equally vital to the Buckeyes’ success.
How Ohio State wins: Ohio State’s offense thrives when Jeremiah Smith is involved, but Texas effectively neutralized him in the semifinal. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly must devise a strategy to get Smith more touches, as his playmaking ability is crucial to the Buckeyes’ success. If Ohio State can find ways to exploit Notre Dame’s defense and capitalize on their opportunities, they have a strong chance of emerging victorious. — Jake Trotter
Originally Written by: ESPN
