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Ohio State Claims National Championship with Victory Over Notre Dame

In a thrilling conclusion to the college football season, Ohio State secured another national title, triumphing over Notre Dame with a close 34-23 win. The championship game showcased the resilience of the Buckeyes, who held off a fierce comeback attempt by the Fighting Irish.

Quarterback Will Howard made a pivotal play that solidified Ohio State’s victory, connecting with standout receiver Jeremiah Smith for a stunning 56-yard completion on a crucial third-and-11 in the late stages of the game. This moment proved decisive as it came when Ohio State’s lead, once substantial at 31-7, was rapidly diminishing with Notre Dame closing the gap.

In a dramatic shift, Notre Dame surged back to life, scoring two touchdowns and two two-point conversions to narrow the score to just one possession late in the fourth quarter. Faced with the pressure of the moment, Ohio State responded with determination; after a couple of initial plays were stifled by the Irish defense, Howard found Smith again, who had managed to shake free on the right sideline. This moment not only showcased Howard’s ability to perform under pressure but also set up a field goal that reignited celebrations among Ohio State fans.

The victory marks a significant comeback for Ohio State, following a challenging season that included a loss against their rival Michigan, where they were listed as 20-point underdogs. With this championship, the Buckeyes reclaimed their status, bringing home their sixth national title and their first since the 2014 season.

Howard, a successful transfer from Kansas State, ended the game with 231 passing yards and two touchdown passes. However, it was his pivotal connection with Smith that solidified his legacy in this championship run. Smith, after being largely contained in earlier games, emerged as a playmaker, finishing the night with five receptions for 88 yards.

The Buckeyes dominated the field at the start, scoring touchdowns on their first four drives and adding a field goal on the fifth. The momentum shifted dramatically when Quinshon Judkins, a notable transfer from Mississippi, made a spectacular 70-yard run, elevating Ohio State to a commanding 28-7 lead. However, the Irish’s resilient spirit meant that the contest was far from over.

Despite the valiant efforts from Notre Dame, including a controversial fake punt in the third quarter that allowed Ohio State to extend its lead to 31-7, questions lingered for Irish coach Marcus Freeman. Notably, the decision to attempt a short field goal while down by 16 points raised eyebrows, especially after the kick hit the upright.

Statistically, Ohio State clearly outperformed their opponents, racking up 445 total yards compared to Notre Dame’s 308. Howard’s impressive performance included completing his first 13 passes, evidencing the Buckeyes’ offensive prowess as they only punted once throughout the entire game.

The Buckeyes’ run through the newly expanded 12-team playoff was nothing short of remarkable, having outscored their opponents by a commanding 145-85 margin in four games. Although the Buckeyes were seeded eighth in the playoffs, the seeding proved irrelevant as they thrived in a series of upsets, culminating in this championship victory against Notre Dame, seeded seventh.

This championship not only avenges past disappointments, particularly the recent losses to Michigan, but it also highlights Coach Ryan Day’s impressive track record, placing him among elite coaching legends in Ohio State history. With a .873 winning percentage, Day ranks third among coaches with over 50 games, closely following the legendary Knute Rockne of Notre Dame.

As college football continues to evolve, this victory underscores the ongoing challenges and historical significance within the sport. Notably, despite Freeman’s ambitions to become the first Black head coach to win a national title, the narrative shifted back to the Buckeyes. This championship also marks a significant milestone for the Big Ten, as it is the first time since 1942 that the conference has claimed back-to-back titles, reinforcing its competitive reputation in college football.

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