Ohio State Wins National Championship, Defeats Notre Dame/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Ohio State secured its first national championship in a decade, defeating Notre Dame 34-23 in the College Football Playoff final. Quarterback Will Howard’s 56-yard pass to Jeremiah Smith sealed the win late in the fourth quarter, capping a remarkable season turnaround. The victory crowns Ohio State as champions of the first 12-team CFP tournament.
Ohio State’s Championship Win Quick Looks
- Victory Secured: Buckeyes defeat Notre Dame 34-23 for their sixth title.
- Game-Changing Play: Howard’s 56-yard pass to Smith clinched the win.
- Judkins Shines: Transfer RB Quinshon Judkins runs for 100 yards, 3 TDs.
- Notre Dame Comeback: Irish narrowed a 31-7 deficit to one score.
- Historic CFP: Ohio State wins the inaugural 12-team playoff.
Ohio State Wins National Championship, Defeats Notre Dame
Deep Look
Ohio State Wins National Championship, Edging Notre Dame 34-23
Introduction: A Decade in the Making
Ohio State claimed its sixth national title and first since 2014 with a thrilling 34-23 victory over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff (CFP) championship game Monday night in Atlanta. The Buckeyes, who entered as the eighth seed in the first-ever 12-team playoff, completed an improbable turnaround after a turbulent regular season.
A Game of Momentum Swings
The Buckeyes controlled most of the game, building a 31-7 lead by the third quarter behind quarterback Will Howard’s efficient passing and running back Quinshon Judkins’ electrifying 70-yard run. Judkins, a transfer from Ole Miss, tallied 100 yards on 11 carries with three touchdowns.
But Notre Dame mounted a furious comeback, scoring two late touchdowns with successful two-point conversions to pull within one score in the fourth quarter. The crowd roared as Irish fans, energized by the effort, dared to dream of a comeback.
However, the game was sealed when Howard lofted a perfect 56-yard pass to receiver Jeremiah Smith on a critical third-and-11. The play set up a field goal, giving Ohio State an 11-point cushion and putting the game out of reach.
“They were running man coverage, and I said, ‘Hey, I’m gonna let this loose and let him make a play on it,’” Howard said.
Key Players and Turning Points
- Will Howard: The Kansas State transfer completed his first 13 passes, finishing with 231 yards and two touchdowns. His precision under pressure showcased why he was the Buckeyes’ difference-maker in the postseason.
- Jeremiah Smith: The All-American receiver had five catches for 88 yards, including the game-clinching grab.
- Quinshon Judkins: The running back’s three-touchdown performance highlighted Ohio State’s success in leveraging the transfer portal.
For Notre Dame, cornerback Christian Gray, who had shone in previous games, was beaten on Smith’s decisive catch, while kicker Mitch Jeter missed a crucial field goal attempt earlier in the game.
“It was do or die,” said Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman. “He’s a heck of a player, and it was a great throw.”
A Redemption Arc for Ohio State
The victory comes seven weeks after a crushing 13-10 loss to Michigan, the Buckeyes’ fourth straight defeat in the rivalry. That loss sparked doubts about head coach Ryan Day’s future at the program. Instead of crumbling, Ohio State rallied through the expanded playoff, defeating higher-seeded opponents with an average score of 36-21.
Day reflected on the resilience of his team:
“It’s a great story about a bunch of guys who overcame tough situations. When everyone counted us out, we kept fighting.”
Notre Dame’s Quest for History Falls Short
Notre Dame aimed to become the first program with a Black head coach, Marcus Freeman, to win the national title. Despite their valiant effort, the Fighting Irish fell short.
Freeman’s decision-making was scrutinized, particularly a failed fake punt and a controversial field goal attempt while down 16 points. Nonetheless, his leadership during a successful season brought the Irish to their first title game since 2013.
Ohio State’s Legacy Grows
The win solidifies Ohio State’s position as a powerhouse in college football history. With six national titles, the Buckeyes join the ranks of elite programs. They also become part of Big Ten history, marking the first time the conference has won consecutive championships since 1942, following Michigan’s triumph last year.
Conclusion: A Historic Night in Atlanta
Ohio State’s victory in the CFP championship marked a historic culmination of the inaugural 12-team playoff and the resilience of a program that fought through adversity. For Buckeyes fans, the long wait is over, and for Ryan Day, redemption is sweet.
As the Ohio State marching band prepares to celebrate with the national championship trophy, one thing is clear: the Buckeyes are back on top.
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