ATLANTA (AP) - Ohio State emerged victorious in a thrilling College Football Playoff national championship game against Notre Dame, securing a 34-23 win on Monday night. The victory marked Ohio State's sixth national title and their first since the 2014 season, culminating a remarkable journey from a significant loss to Michigan earlier in the season.
Quarterback Will Howard played a pivotal role, throwing for 231 yards and two touchdowns. His most crucial play came late in the game when he connected with standout receiver Jeremiah Smith for a 56-yard gain on a critical third-and-11. This play not only helped seal the game for Ohio State but also showcased Howard's development as a transfer portal success story from Kansas State.
Despite leading 31-7 in the third quarter, Ohio State faced a spirited comeback attempt by Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish scored two touchdowns accompanied by two 2-point conversions to narrow the gap, making it a one-score game. However, Ohio State's resilience shone through as they managed to stop Notre Dame's momentum with a series of successful plays, ultimately setting up a field goal that put them back in control.
Ohio State's early dominance was evident, as they scored touchdowns on their first four possessions, displaying an efficient offense. Quinshon Judkins, a prominent transfer player, made a significant impact with a 70-yard run, contributing to a total of three touchdowns on the night. The Buckeyes outgained Notre Dame, amassing 445 yards compared to the Irish's 308 yards. Howard's ability to remain composed, completing his first 13 passes without being interrupted, exemplified his effective leadership throughout the game.
Coaches faced scrutiny as Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman grappled with pivotal decisions, including a controversial fake punt attempt and a decision to send out Mitch Jeter for a short field goal despite being down by two scores. These moments left fans questioning the tactical choices made during key points in the game.
The victory not only ended Ohio State's title drought but also added to Coach Ryan Day's impressive resume, positioning him among iconic coaches like Urban Meyer and Jim Tressel. Day's leadership comes at a time when doubts were cast upon his tenure following a disappointing loss to Michigan, marking Ohio State's fourth consecutive defeat in that rivalry. Day's .873 winning percentage is noteworthy, as he ranks third among coaches with over 50 games coached.
This championship win also highlights the continued prominence of the Big Ten Conference within college football. This marks the first time since 1942 that the Big Ten has claimed consecutive national titles, following Michigan's victory last year. As Freeman aimed to become the first Black coach to win a national title, the narrative shifted once again, leaving another layer of history for the sport.
Ohio State's journey through the inaugural 12-team playoff was remarkable, as they managed to overcome their eighth seed status to claim the title with an average victory margin of 36-21 in the playoff rounds. With their triumph over Notre Dame, the Buckeyes have demonstrated resilience and determination, signaling a new chapter in their storied program. This game not only represented a championship victory but also served as a testament to the program's ability to rebound and achieve greatness despite facing adversity.
