Ohio State holds off Notre Dame to win college football national championship

The Ohio State Buckeyes have once again emerged as champions after defeating Notre Dame 34-23 in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This victory marks Ohio State’s ninth college football title, tying them with USC for the fourth most ever among NCAA’s officially recognized championships. It is also their first title since the inaugural College Football Playoff in 2014.

The Buckeyes showcased their dominance throughout the playoffs, with convincing wins over Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas. But the championship game against Notre Dame proved to be a tough challenge, as the Fighting Irish made a strong statement with an impressive opening drive that lasted 18 plays and over nine minutes, culminating in a touchdown by quarterback Riley Leonard.

However, Ohio State quickly shifted the momentum in their favor, responding with a high-octane offense led by quarterback Will Howard and freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith. The Buckeyes tied the game and went on to score two more touchdowns before halftime, with explosive running back Quinshon Judkins leading the charge with three touchdowns in total.

Notre Dame managed to cut the lead to a two-score game, but a missed field goal attempt and a successful two-point conversion by Ohio State kept the Buckeyes ahead. With the game on the line, Howard connected with Smith on a pivotal 57-yard catch to seal the victory.

In the end, Howard finished with 231 passing yards and 57 rushing yards, while Leonard led Notre Dame with 240 passing yards and 40 rushing yards. Smith stood out with 89 receiving yards for the Buckeyes, while Greathouse had 11 yards for the Fighting Irish.

This championship win solidifies Ohio State’s status as one of the top college football programs in the nation. Their impressive performance throughout the playoffs and in the title game exemplifies the talent and determination of the team under head coach Ryan Day. As they celebrate their latest championship victory, the Buckeyes look forward to continuing their legacy of success in the seasons to come.