In a thrilling College Football Playoff National Championship, the Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 34-23.
LC
by Len Clark
Judkins Leads Explosive Offense
Buckeye Offense
Ohio State’s running back Quinshon Judkins dominated the game with 100 rushing yards, including a game-changing 70-yard touchdown run.
Quarterback Brilliance
Quarterback Will Howard completed 17 of 21 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his accuracy and poise under pressure.
Leonard Leads Irish Charge
Irish Offense
Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard threw for 255 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his ability to extend plays and find open receivers.
Irish Struggle
Despite Leonard's efforts, Notre Dame struggled to establish a running game, managing only 53 rushing yards, limiting their offensive firepower.
Game-Changing Second Quarter
1
Early Lead
Notre Dame took an early 7-0 lead, but Ohio State quickly responded with a 21-point second quarter surge.
2
Judkins’ Run
The turning point came when Judkins broke a 70-yard touchdown run, igniting the Buckeyes' offense.
3
Late Irish Rally
Notre Dame mounted a late rally in the fourth quarter, but a crucial third-down conversion by Ohio State sealed their victory.
Dominant Buckeye Defense
1
Total Yardage
Ohio State outgained Notre Dame 445 to 308 total yards, showcasing their offensive dominance.
2
Ground Game
The Buckeye defense held Notre Dame to just 2 yards per carry, stifling their running game.
3
Third-Down Success
Ohio State converted 9 of 12 third-down attempts, showcasing their efficiency and ability to extend drives.
Postgame Reflections
Irish Coach
Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman acknowledged his team's resilience and the program's bright future despite the loss.
Buckeye Coach
For Ohio State, the victory marked their ninth national championship and a season of redemption for head coach Ryan Day.
Looking Ahead
1
Irish Future
Notre Dame’s young talent and strong leadership promise a bright future for the program, setting the stage for future success.
2
Buckeye Dynasty
With a ninth national championship, Ohio State continues to build a legacy of excellence and dominance in college football.
Key Takeaways
Ohio State's victory was a testament to their offensive firepower and defensive dominance. Notre Dame's resilient efforts showcase the program's potential for future success. The game highlighted the excitement and competitive spirit of college football.