College Football Playoff 2024-25: Championship First Look
As the clock ticks down to the much-anticipated College Football Playoff National Championship, the excitement is palpable. The first-ever 12-team playoff has whittled down the competition to two formidable contenders: Notre Dame and Ohio State. This showdown promises to be a thrilling clash of titans, with both teams eager to end their respective championship droughts.
On January 20, the seventh-seeded Notre Dame Fighting Irish will face off against the eighth-seeded Ohio State Buckeyes at the iconic Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The stakes couldn’t be higher, as both teams are hungry for a taste of glory. For Notre Dame, a victory would mark their first national title since 1988, a long-awaited triumph for the storied program. Meanwhile, Ohio State, a perennial powerhouse, is looking to add another championship to their collection, having last won the title a decade ago in the inaugural CFP championship.
Both head coaches, Marcus Freeman of Notre Dame and Ryan Day of Ohio State, are on the hunt for their first championships at the helm. Freeman’s journey is particularly intriguing, as he faces his alma mater, Ohio State, where he once excelled as an All-Big Ten linebacker under coach Jim Tressel. The narrative is rich with history and personal stakes, adding an extra layer of drama to the championship game.
Let’s dive into what we can expect from this epic matchup in Atlanta. — Adam Rittenberg
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 calling cards this season. The Irish have shown remarkable tenacity, overcoming injuries and erasing deficits, as they did against Penn State. Their ability to dominate the “middle eight” and excel on third downs has been crucial. Key players like quarterback Riley Leonard, running back Jeremiyah Love, and linebacker Jack Kiser have been instrumental, but the depth of talent extends to 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. Despite modest numbers throughout the season, he delivered a standout performance in the semifinal, recording career highs in receptions and receiving yards, including a crucial 54-yard touchdown. His ability to step up in clutch moments could be pivotal for Notre Dame’s offense, especially as they seek to exploit downfield opportunities.
How Notre Dame wins: While Notre Dame may not have the talent edge, their grit and determination make them formidable opponents. To secure victory, 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 key to their success. — Rittenberg
Ohio State Buckeyes (13-2)
What we learned in the semifinal: Ohio State’s defense has proven its championship caliber, led by senior defensive end Jack Sawyer. His game-changing play against Texas, a sack and fumble recovery for a touchdown, was a defining moment. Despite offensive struggles, the Buckeyes’ defense showcased its strength, making them a formidable force in the title game.
X factor: Lathan Ransom’s critical play on second-and-goal set the stage for Sawyer’s heroics. His ability to disrupt Texas’ offense was crucial, highlighting the depth of talent in Ohio State’s defense. While All-American safety Caleb Downs garners attention, Ransom and other veterans play vital roles in the Buckeyes’ defensive success.
How Ohio State wins: Ohio State’s offense thrives when true freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is involved. Texas limited his impact, but the Buckeyes must find ways to get him the ball against Notre Dame. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly will need to devise a strategy to counter Notre Dame’s defensive tactics and unleash Smith’s potential. — Jake Trotter
Originally Written by: ESPN
