Introduction
On January 20, 2025, the Ohio State Buckeyes claimed their first College Football Playoff National Championship in a decade, defeating Notre Dame 34-23. The thrilling matchup in Atlanta showcased two powerhouse programs and delivered an unforgettable conclusion to the college football season. Despite early struggles, Ohio State demonstrated resilience and firepower, overcoming adversity to hoist the trophy.
Notre Dame’s Strong Start
Notre Dame entered the game with a potent running attack that had carried them throughout the season. Their opening drive was a masterclass in ground-and-pound football, as Jeremiyah Love, Jadarian Price, and quarterback Riley Leonard gashed the Buckeyes’ defense. Leonard capped off the drive with a touchdown, putting the Irish up 7-0 and energizing their fanbase.
However, that early momentum was fleeting. Ohio State responded decisively, silencing Notre Dame’s ground game and forcing them to become one-dimensional.
Ohio State’s Dominant Turnaround
The Buckeyes answered Notre Dame’s opening salvo with an offensive explosion. Quarterback Will Howard, a seasoned leader, connected with freshman standout Jeremiah Smith for an 8-yard touchdown to tie the game. From there, running back Quinshon Judkins took over. Judkins showcased his versatility, scoring on a rushing touchdown and hauling in a 6-yard touchdown pass to give Ohio State a commanding 21-7 lead at halftime.
The third quarter began much the same way, with Judkins powering into the end zone for his third touchdown of the night. A subsequent field goal extended Ohio State’s lead to 31-7, marking 31 unanswered points by the Buckeyes.
Notre Dame’s Gritty Comeback Attempt
Despite the lopsided scoreline, Notre Dame refused to fold. Leonard, whose dual-threat ability had been stifled for much of the game, found his rhythm as a passer. Leonard connected with wide receiver Jaden Greathouse for two second-half touchdowns, one in the third quarter and another in the fourth, cutting the deficit to 31-23.
Notre Dame’s defense stepped up, forcing stops and giving their offense opportunities. But Ohio State’s defense, which had faltered momentarily, regrouped to make critical stops when it mattered most.
The Final Blow
With under two minutes remaining, Notre Dame executed an all-out blitz, hoping to force a turnover. Instead, Howard delivered a dagger, finding Smith on a deep pass to set up a game-sealing field goal. Ohio State milked the clock, and the kick extended their lead to 34-23 with just 29 seconds left. Notre Dame’s final drive was too little, too late. As the clock struck zero, the Buckeyes emerged victorious, silencing doubters and securing the program’s ninth national title.
Redemption and Legacy
Ohio State’s path to glory mirrored Alabama’s 2017 team. Both programs lost to their biggest rivals—Ohio State to Michigan and Alabama to Auburn—yet rebounded to win it all. Like Alabama, the Buckeyes didn’t compete in their conference championship but used the playoff system to rewrite their narrative.
Another striking similarity between these two teams is how both had to go through the champions of their respective conferences to win it all. Ohio State defeated Big Ten Champion Oregon in the quarterfinals, while Alabama famously beat SEC Champion Georgia in the 2017 National Championship.
After losing to Michigan at home in a shocking upset, Ohio State faced heavy criticism. The Wolverines, in a down year, stunned the Buckeyes, leading to doubts about Ohio State’s ability to contend on the national stage. A postgame brawl, sparked by Michigan’s attempt to plant their flag at midfield, only deepened the embarrassment.
But Ohio State used that loss as fuel, stringing together statement wins against Tennessee and Oregon before defeating Texas in the semifinals. Their journey culminated in a triumphant performance against Notre Dame, proving that the playoff committee’s faith in them was justified.
The Case for an Expanded Playoff
This season reaffirmed the value of an expanded playoff format. Ohio State’s ability to recover from a late-season loss and prove themselves in the postseason highlights why giving more teams a shot at the title makes sense. While some debate whether first-round byes should be determined by conference championships or overall seeding, this year’s playoff delivered undeniable drama.
Looking Ahead
The 2024-25 college football season ended with fireworks, as Ohio State brought the trophy back to Columbus. It was a year defined by adversity, redemption, and unforgettable moments. With a new season on the horizon, fans can only hope for another chapter as thrilling as this one.
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