Eric Boggs
There is one final game remaining: Ohio State vs Notre Dame. These two storied programs, each rich in tradition and steeped in history, find themselves on a collision course for glory. Set against the backdrop of Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, fans from both sides, along with the broader football community, are eager to witness a game that could etch itself into the annals of the sport’s greatest rivalries.
Ohio State and Notre Dame have faced each other eight times, with the Buckeyes holding a 6-2 series lead. The last meeting, in 2023, ended with Ohio State’s dramatic 17-14 victory in South Bend, a game defined by a controversial defensive lapse from Notre Dame. While the Fighting Irish claimed the first two matchups in 1935 and 1936, Ohio State has dominated the series since 1995, winning six straight. Now, they meet again on the biggest stage, with the stakes higher than ever.
Ohio State enters the championship with one of the nation’s most complete rosters, blending an explosive offense with a suffocating defense. Led by quarterback Will Howard, receivers Jeremiah Smith, Emeka Egbuka, and Carnell Tate, and running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, the Buckeyes’ offense averages an impressive 35.8 points per game. Defensively, Ohio State has been elite, allowing just 12.2 points per game—a testament to their discipline and physicality.
Notre Dame, meanwhile, arrives with resilience as their hallmark. The Irish have battled through significant injuries, particularly to their secondary and offensive line, but their depth and adaptability have carried them to this point. True freshman standouts like Anthony Knapp and unsung heroes in the secondary have risen to the occasion. Head coach Marcus Freeman, a former Buckeye player, has instilled a culture of toughness and belief, guiding his team through challenges against elite opponents such as Penn State and Georgia.
The key matchups in this game promise to be fascinating. Ohio State’s prolific passing attack faces Notre Dame’s resilient secondary, which has excelled despite the absence of standout corner Ben Morrison. On the other side, Notre Dame’s formidable ground game, led by Jeremiah Love, must contend with Ohio State’s dominant front seven, which has allowed just 89.9 rushing yards per game. Controlling the line of scrimmage will be crucial for both teams.
The coaching subplot adds another layer of intrigue. Ryan Day, in his sixth season with Ohio State, seeks to cement his legacy with a national championship. Day’s record against Notre Dame stands at 2-0, and his ability to prepare his team for the moment will be under the microscope. Freeman, the first African-American head coach to lead a team to the national championship game, embodies Notre Dame’s fighting spirit. Both coaches’ connections to Jim Tressel, a shared mentor, underscore the mutual respect between these programs.
For Notre Dame, success hinges on their ability to execute in pivotal moments. The Irish have excelled in the “middle eight”—the final four minutes of the first half and the opening four of the second. Winning this critical stretch, along with maintaining a positive turnover margin, will be vital against a team as explosive as Ohio State. Conversely, the Buckeyes must capitalize on their firepower, stretch the field, and prevent Notre Dame from controlling the tempo with their running game.
This game is more than just a championship contest; it’s a celebration of college football tradition. Both programs’ histories are interwoven with iconic moments, passionate fan bases, and a shared respect for excellence. For Ohio State, it’s an opportunity to solidify their dominance and silence lingering questions about Day’s ability to deliver on the biggest stage. For Notre Dame, it’s a chance to end a title drought that dates back to 1988 and prove they belong among the sport’s elite.
As fans prepare for the 7:30 PM ET kickoff on ESPN, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Predictions range from confident blowouts to nail-biting finishes, but one thing is certain: this matchup promises to deliver another unforgettable chapter in the annals of college football. Whether it’s Ohio State extending their streak or Notre Dame achieving the ultimate upset, the national championship will leave an indelible mark on both programs and the sport itself.
