College Football Playoff 2024-25: Notre Dame and Ohio State Set for Epic Showdown
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 to two formidable contenders: Notre Dame and Ohio State. This matchup promises to be a thrilling conclusion to a season filled with surprises and standout performances.
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. Both teams are hungry for victory, each looking to end a championship drought. For Notre Dame, a win would mark their first national title since 1988. Ohio State, on the other hand, is aiming to capture their first championship since winning the inaugural CFP title a decade ago. Despite their consistent excellence, the Buckeyes are eager to reclaim the top spot in college football.
Coaches Marcus Freeman of Notre Dame and Ryan Day of Ohio State are both seeking their first championships as head coaches. 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, adding another layer of drama to this championship clash.
Let’s dive into what makes this 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: 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 an uncanny ability to overcome injuries and adversity, as demonstrated in their semifinal victory over Penn State. They erased two deficits and dominated the “middle eight” — the crucial final four minutes of the first half and the first four minutes of the second half. 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.
X factor: Jaden Greathouse has emerged as a potential game-changer. Entering the semifinal with modest stats, he exploded with career highs in receptions and receiving yards, including a crucial 54-yard touchdown. His performance in the second half was pivotal, and he could be the key to unlocking Notre Dame’s downfield passing game.
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 and must continue to execute 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 scoop-and-score against Texas was a defining moment. Despite offensive struggles, the Buckeyes’ defense proved why it’s one of the best in college football.
X factor: Senior safety Lathan Ransom made a critical play that set up Sawyer’s heroics. His ability to disrupt plays and make key stops adds depth to a defense already headlined by All-American safety Caleb Downs.
How Ohio State wins: The Buckeyes need to find ways to involve their top offensive playmaker, true freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Notre Dame will likely try to neutralize him, so offensive coordinator Chip Kelly must devise a plan to get Smith the ball and keep the offense dynamic.
- Notre Dame’s resilience and execution are key.
- Ohio State’s defense is a formidable force.
- Key players and strategies will determine the outcome.
As the championship game approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating a clash of titans. Both teams have shown they have what it takes to win, but only one will emerge victorious. Will it be Notre Dame ending their long title drought, or Ohio State reclaiming their place at the top? Tune in to find out!
Originally Written by: ESPN
