Ohio State’s victory on Monday night was a huge moment in college football history. The Buckeyes claimed the national championship title with a 34-23 win over Notre Dame. This made them the first two-loss champion in 18 years.
In the first half, Ohio State dominated. They quickly tied the game and then surged ahead, only to face a late comeback attempt from Notre Dame, which scored 16 straight points after Ohio State had a comfortable lead of 31-7. Notre Dame got within eight points, but Ohio State sealed the game with a key completion from quarterback Will Howard to star freshman Jeremiah Smith.
Ohio State’s running back Quinshon Judkins was a standout player, scoring three touchdowns. In fact, Howard was impressive too, starting the game by completing 13 straight passes. After falling behind early, Ohio State took control and didn’t look back.
Judkins’ performance was notable as he crossed the 100-yard mark for the first time since Week 3, showcasing his skills after a strong season shared with TreVeyon Henderson. The Buckeyes quickly bounced back after Notre Dame’s opening touchdown, ultimately taking command of the game.
Notre Dame entered the game as underdogs and relied heavily on quarterback Riley Leonard, who started strong. However, after the initial drive, the Irish struggled to maintain momentum. Their offense went quiet for a significant stretch, which made it clear that Ohio State was in control.
Even when Notre Dame tried to rally, they faced setbacks. A missed field goal in a crucial moment prevented them from bringing the score closer and shifted the tide back to Ohio State.
This win was significant for Ohio State, especially after a tough season in which they faced criticism and missed the previous playoff. They had a mix of returning stars and new talents, including Judkins, who transferred from Ole Miss, and an important coaching change with Chip Kelly stepping in as offensive coordinator.
After a rocky regular season, the Buckeyes found their stride in the postseason, beating tough opponents like Tennessee and Texas. Their ability to win decisively in the playoffs made their championship victory even more rewarding.
In the end, the season concluded with Ohio State reaching the pinnacle of college football and solidifying their legacy in the sport. The coach, Ryan Day, perfectly summed it up when he mentioned how resilience and believing in the team allowed them to overcome past struggles and achieve success.
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