Ohio State Topples Notre Dame in College Football Playoff Title Game for First National Title Since 2014
The Ohio State Buckeyes have etched their names into college football history once again, capturing their first national championship since 2014 by defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a thrilling College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship game. The victory, which took place in front of a raucous crowd at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, marks the culmination of a season full of high expectations, impressive performances, and a relentless drive toward glory.
This win is not just a milestone for the Ohio State football program but also a moment of redemption for the team, their fans, and head coach Ryan Day, who had come so close in the past. The triumph over Notre Dame represents a long-awaited return to the pinnacle of college football for a program that has consistently been in the hunt for championships. The Buckeyes’ resilience, skill, and grit were on full display as they outlasted a tough Notre Dame team in a game that lived up to its billing as a battle between two of college football’s most storied programs.
The Road to the Championship
The road to the national championship was paved with both dominance and resilience. Ohio State entered the season with one of the most potent offenses in college football, led by a dynamic trio of quarterback CJ Stroud, running back Miyan Williams, and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. The Buckeyes’ offense was explosive all season, regularly putting up big numbers and running roughshod over some of the nation’s best defenses. But it wasn’t just the offense that got Ohio State to this point – the defense, coached by Jim Knowles, improved drastically over the course of the season, playing key roles in critical games.
Ohio State’s journey through the College Football Playoff was anything but easy. The Buckeyes survived a hard-fought semifinal against the Georgia Bulldogs, a game that tested their mettle and showcased their ability to perform under pressure. In the end, it was a last-second field goal by Noah Ruggles that sent Ohio State to the national title game, proving that this team had the clutch factor needed to go all the way.
Despite being tested by a variety of challenges throughout the season, Ohio State never wavered. They handled their business in the Big Ten Championship, dispatching their opponents with ease, and secured a spot in the playoff. Along the way, the Buckeyes’ offense continued to click, while the defense found ways to silence some of the nation’s top playmakers. However, it was the performance in the national title game against Notre Dame that truly proved they had what it took to be champions.
The National Title Game: A Clash of Titans
The College Football Playoff National Championship between Ohio State and Notre Dame was a highly anticipated matchup, with two of the most decorated programs in college football history vying for the ultimate prize. Both teams came into the game with high expectations, but the Buckeyes were considered slight favorites given their explosive offense and dynamic playmakers.
From the opening kickoff, the game lived up to the hype. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish, under head coach Marcus Freeman, were no strangers to big-game atmospheres, and they came ready to compete. Notre Dame’s defense, which had been stout all season, was determined to slow down the Ohio State offense, and they made it clear early on that this would not be an easy victory for the Buckeyes. The Fighting Irish, led by their star quarterback Sam Hartman, moved the ball well on their opening drive, but Ohio State’s defense stiffened when it mattered most and forced Notre Dame to settle for a field goal.
Ohio State, on the other hand, didn’t waste any time answering. After an early field goal by Noah Ruggles, the Buckeyes’ offense began to settle into a rhythm. Stroud connected with Harrison Jr. for a big gain down the sideline, and Williams followed that up with a hard-charging touchdown run, showcasing the power and vision that had made him one of the most dangerous backs in the country. The Buckeyes were up 10-3, and it seemed like their offense was on the verge of breaking the game open.
However, Notre Dame’s defense proved resilient. The Irish were able to stifle Ohio State’s high-flying offense for much of the first half, getting timely stops and keeping the game close. Hartman, who had been solid all season, looked poised to lead his team back into the contest, but Ohio State’s defense, led by J.T. Tuimoloau and Tommy Eichenberg, was up to the challenge. In the first half alone, the Buckeyes’ defense forced two critical turnovers, including an interception that set up another touchdown drive.
With the halftime score at 17-10, Ohio State seemed to be in control, but Notre Dame wasn’t backing down. The second half opened with a much-needed adjustment from Freeman’s squad. Notre Dame was able to strike quickly with a touchdown pass from Hartman to Tayvion Galloway, tying the game at 17-all. It became clear that this would be a battle until the final whistle.
The Key Moments
The key moment of the game came in the third quarter, when Ohio State’s offense found its stride again. After a series of methodical drives and key completions, Stroud connected with Emeka Egbuka for a go-ahead touchdown that put Ohio State back on top. From there, the Buckeyes’ defense took over, forcing Notre Dame to go three-and-out multiple times as the clock wound down.
Ohio State’s special teams also played a crucial role in the victory, with Ruggles converting a long field goal to extend the Buckeyes’ lead to 27-17. With time running out, Notre Dame had one final chance to mount a comeback, but Ohio State’s defense held strong, shutting down any hopes of a last-minute rally.
The Buckeyes’ offense, led by Stroud’s composure and leadership, took care of business when it mattered most, maintaining control of the game and managing the clock effectively. Stroud, who had been nothing short of spectacular all season, threw for 295 yards and two touchdowns in the game, cementing his legacy as one of the best quarterbacks in Ohio State history. Harrison Jr., the game’s standout wide receiver, finished with 120 receiving yards and a touchdown, adding another chapter to his already impressive collegiate career.
The Championship Win: A Moment of Redemption
For Ohio State and head coach Ryan Day, this national title represents a moment of redemption. Day, who had guided the Buckeyes to multiple successful seasons and playoff appearances, had faced criticism after falling short in previous big games. However, he silenced the doubters with this championship win. The victory proved that Day could lead the Buckeyes to the ultimate prize and solidified his legacy as one of college football’s elite coaches.
For the players, this title was a culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication. Stroud, Williams, Harrison Jr., and others had set their sights on a national championship from the moment they stepped on campus, and their perseverance finally paid off. This win not only secures Ohio State’s place in the pantheon of college football’s best programs but also ensures that these players will be remembered as champions.
The Aftermath: What’s Next for Ohio State?
With their 2024 national championship now in hand, Ohio State has proven that they are once again a force to be reckoned with in college football. However, there are many questions to answer as they look ahead to the future. With several key players set to leave for the NFL, including Stroud, Harrison Jr., and others, Ohio State will need to reload for the future.
The Buckeyes will enter the 2025 season as defending champions, and the target will be squarely on their backs. The program’s success will attract top-tier recruits and transfer portal players, eager to join the ranks of a team that has proven it can win it all.
For now, though, Ohio State fans are celebrating a victory that has been long-awaited and hard-earned. The 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship will forever be remembered as the moment when Ohio State reclaimed its place at the top of the college football world.
As the Buckeyes look toward the future, one thing is certain: Ohio State football is back on top, and they have no plans of relinquishing that title anytime soon. The journey to this national championship may have been challenging, but for Ohio State, the reward was worth every bit of the effort.
