The college football season culminates in a highly anticipated showdown between two of the most storied programs in history. On January 20th, at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time (4:30 p.m. Pacific), the No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes (13-2) will square off against the No. 5 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (14-1) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta for the National Championship. This matchup features not only two elite offenses but also the top two defenses in the country, setting the stage for an epic battle.
The Road to the Championship
Both teams punched their tickets to Atlanta with dramatic victories in the College Football Playoff Semi-Finals.
In the Cotton Bowl, Ohio State controlled the game for much of the contest, but Texas hung around and had several opportunities to close the gap. The Longhorns found themselves in the red zone late in the game, poised to make a comeback, but Ohio State’s defense rose to the occasion. The Buckeyes made two crucial red zone stops in the fourth quarter to maintain their lead. The defining moment came when defensive end Jack Sawyer sacked Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, forcing a fumble in the red zone. Sawyer recovered the ball and took it all the way back for a touchdown, putting Ohio State up 28-14 and sealing the victory. It was a statement performance by Ohio State’s defense, proving their ability to deliver in critical moments.
The Orange Bowl matchup between Notre Dame and Penn State was a tightly contested, back-and-forth affair. Both teams traded blows in a game that remained balanced throughout. Late in the fourth quarter, Penn State seemed primed to take control, with quarterback Drew Allar leading a potential game-winning drive. However, Notre Dame’s defense held firm, forcing a critical interception on one of Penn State’s final possessions. The Fighting Irish then marched down the field, setting up a game-winning field goal that split the uprights with just 10 seconds left. The 27-24 win was a testament to Notre Dame’s poise and resilience in crunch time, propelling them to the National Championship.
These two semifinal games showcased the grit, talent, and determination of both Ohio State and Notre Dame, setting the stage for a championship game filled with anticipation.
Tale of the Tape: Offense
Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State’s offense, ranked 12th nationally and averaging 35.8 points per game, has been shaped by the offensive genius of head coach Ryan Day. Day, who previously called plays as both head coach and offensive coordinator under Urban Meyer, built his reputation on an aggressive, pass-heavy attack. However, this season he handed the play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, whose balanced approach has added a new dimension to the Buckeyes’ offense. While Day favored the aerial attack, Kelly has brought a more even mix of passing and running plays, making the offense unpredictable and tough to stop.
• Passing Game:
• Will Howard: 3,779 passing yards, 33 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 72.6% completion rate.
• Jeremiah Smith: The true freshman sensation with 1,227 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns.
• Emeka Egbuka: A dependable target with 947 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.
• Carnell Tate (TE): A reliable red-zone option with 678 yards and 4 touchdowns.
• Ground Attack:
• TreVeyon Henderson: The speedster with 967 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.
• Quinshon Judkins: The bruiser complementing Henderson with 960 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.
Ohio State’s ability to beat opponents both through the air and on the ground makes them a nightmare to defend.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The Fighting Irish enter the championship with the No. 6 offense in the country, averaging 37 points per game, fueled by a devastating ground attack. Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock has been the architect of their success, using an adaptive approach that leverages the strengths of his personnel. One hallmark of Denbrock’s offense is his emphasis on involving the quarterback in the running game, which has been a significant factor in Notre Dame’s success this season.
• Rushing Attack:
• Jeremiyah Love: 1,122 rushing yards, 17 touchdowns, 7.1 yards per carry.
• Jadarian Price: 733 rushing yards, 7 touchdowns, 6.3 yards per carry.
• Riley Leonard: 866 rushing yards, 16 touchdowns, 5.2 yards per carry.
While Leonard’s passing game (2,606 yards, 19 touchdowns, 8 interceptions) isn’t elite, his dual-threat ability and Denbrock’s creative play designs have made Notre Dame’s offense one of the most dynamic in the nation.
The True Battle: Defense
It’s no coincidence that the two teams vying for the national title boast the nation’s top two defenses. Ohio State leads the country, allowing just 12.2 points per game, while Notre Dame ranks second, giving up only 14.3 points per game.
Ohio State Buckeyes
The Buckeyes’ defense, under the direction of coordinator Jim Knowles, thrives on aggression and creating negative plays at all three levels.
• Linebackers:
• Cody Simon: 104 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 7 sacks.
• Sonny Styles: 94 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 5 sacks.
• Defensive Ends:
• J.T. Tuimoloau: 56 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 12 sacks.
• Jack Sawyer: 56 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 9 sacks.
• Safeties:
• Caleb Downs: 77 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions.
• Lathan Ransom: 73 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 1 interception.
Ohio State’s defense is relentless, generating pressure and disrupting opposing offenses with playmakers at every level.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame’s defense, coordinated by Al Golden and overseen by head coach Marcus Freeman, is balanced and disciplined, excelling at creating turnovers and keeping plays in front of them.
• Linebackers:
• Jack Kiser: 85 tackles, 4 tackles for loss.
• Jaiden Ausberry: 56 tackles, 7 tackles for loss.
• Secondary:
• Xavier Watts (S): 74 tackles, 6 interceptions.
• Adon Shuler (S): 55 tackles, 3 interceptions.
• Leonard Moore (CB): 43 tackles, 2 interceptions, 10 pass breakups.
• Christian Gray (CB): 32 tackles, 3 interceptions, 9 pass breakups.
• Defensive Line:
• Riley Mills: 37 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks.
Notre Dame’s defensive approach combines playmaking in the secondary with a physical front seven, creating a balanced unit capable of adapting to any opponent.
Key Matchups
1. Notre Dame’s Rushing Attack vs. Ohio State’s Front Seven
Can Notre Dame’s dynamic ground game find success against the Buckeyes’ aggressive front?
2. Ohio State’s Passing Game vs. Notre Dame’s Secondary
Will Howard’s precision will be tested by a ball-hawking Irish secondary led by Xavier Watts and Leonard Moore.
3. Coaching Chess Match
This game is as much a battle of minds as it is a battle of talent. Ryan Day and Chip Kelly form one of the most dynamic offensive coaching duos in the country, with Kelly calling plays and bringing a more balanced approach to the offense under Day’s leadership. On the other side, Notre Dame’s head coach Marcus Freeman and defensive coordinator Al Golden will aim to counter their offensive firepower, while offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock looks to exploit Jim Knowles’ aggressive Ohio State defense. The clash of these elite minds will play a major role in determining the outcome.
Prediction
With two elite defenses, this game will likely come down to who can execute offensively in key moments. Ohio State’s balanced attack gives them a slight edge, but Notre Dame’s disciplined defense and lethal rushing attack can’t be underestimated.
Final Thoughts
This championship promises a clash of styles, talent, and legacy. Whether you’re rooting for the Buckeyes or the Fighting Irish, January 20th will deliver a game for the ages.
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