Notre Dame vs Ohio State: A Historic Showdown for the 2024-25 CFP Championship

The stage is set for the 2024-25 College Football Playoff National Championship, and it’s a matchup fans won’t want to miss. On January 20, Notre Dame vs Ohio State will take center stage in Atlanta at Mercedes-Benz Stadium to battle for college football’s biggest prize. Both teams are looking to break long championship droughts—Notre Dame hasn’t won since 1988, while Ohio State’s last title came in 2015. This game is about more than just hardware; it’s about history, resilience, and redemption.

Two Teams, Two Stories

Notre Dame and Ohio State are two of the most iconic programs in college football. But despite their storied histories, both teams enter the championship with something to prove. For Notre Dame, this is a chance to silence critics who’ve questioned their ability to win on the biggest stage. For Ohio State, it’s an opportunity to reaffirm their place among college football’s elite.

Notre Dame’s head coach, Marcus Freeman, is at the heart of the story. A former All-Big Ten linebacker for Ohio State, Freeman is leading the Fighting Irish against the team where he once played. Adding to the intrigue, Freeman has lost to Ohio State the past two seasons, making this matchup a shot at redemption. On the other sideline, Ohio State’s Ryan Day is chasing his first title as head coach, hoping to cap off a season where his team has fought through adversity to reach this point.

Notre Dame: Resilient and Relentless

The Fighting Irish have earned their spot in this championship game through grit and determination. Their semifinal win over Penn State was a testament to their resilience. Despite dealing with injuries all season, Notre Dame overcame two deficits in that game and excelled in what coaches call the “middle eight”—the last four minutes of the first half and the first four minutes of the second half. That stretch is often where games are won or lost, and Notre Dame has been consistently dominant in those moments.

Quarterback Riley Leonard has been a steady hand for the Irish, but the team’s depth has been equally impressive. Players like running back Jeremiyah Love, linebacker Jack Kiser, and even backup quarterback Steve Angeli have stepped up when needed. Wide receiver Jaden Greathouse, who had been quiet for much of the season, had a breakout performance in the semifinal with seven catches for 105 yards and a crucial 54-yard touchdown. His emergence could be a game-changer for Notre Dame’s offense in the title game.

How Notre Dame Wins

Notre Dame’s success will hinge on their ability to execute in all phases of the game. They’ve been excellent on third downs, converting 11 of 17 in their semifinal win, while holding Penn State to just 3 of 11. That kind of efficiency will be crucial against a tough Ohio State defense.

Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock has emphasized the importance of big plays in the passing game, and it finally clicked against Penn State. If the Irish can replicate that success and keep mistakes to a minimum, they’ll have a chance to pull off the upset. Contributions from every part of the roster—offense, defense, and special teams—will be essential.

Ohio State: Defense Wins Championships

The Buckeyes have leaned heavily on their defense all season, and it’s been their ticket to the championship game. Their semifinal win over Texas was defined by a defensive play that will go down in Ohio State history. With just over two minutes left and Texas on the verge of tying the game, defensive end Jack Sawyer sacked quarterback Quinn Ewers on fourth-and-goal, forcing a fumble that Sawyer returned 83 yards for a game-clinching touchdown.

Ohio State’s defense is loaded with stars, including All-American safety Caleb Downs, who made a key interception late in the game. But it’s not just the big names making plays. Senior safety Lathan Ransom delivered a clutch tackle earlier in the same series, stopping a Texas running back for a seven-yard loss and setting up the fourth-down chaos that followed. This defense doesn’t just stop teams—it makes game-changing plays.

Source: College Football Playoff 2024-25: Championship first look

How Ohio State Wins

For Ohio State, the formula is simple: keep playing lights-out defense and find ways to get the ball to their star freshman wide receiver, Jeremiah Smith. Texas managed to neutralize Smith in the semifinal, holding him to just one catch for three yards, but he’s been the Buckeyes’ most dynamic offensive weapon all season. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly will need to get creative to ensure Smith makes an impact, even if Notre Dame tries to shut him down.

The Buckeyes will also need to establish balance on offense. Their defense can’t do it all, and while it has carried them this far, the offense will need to produce enough points to keep Notre Dame at bay. If Ohio State can stay aggressive on defense and find ways to move the ball consistently, they’ll be in good shape.

The X-Factors

Every championship game has its wild cards, and this one is no different. For Notre Dame, it’s Jaden Greathouse. His performance against Penn State suggests he’s hitting his stride at just the right time, and another big game from him could give the Irish the spark they need.

For Ohio State, the X-factor is their defensive playmaking. Players like Jack Sawyer and Caleb Downs have been difference-makers all season, and if they can deliver more big moments, it could swing the game in the Buckeyes’ favor. Lathan Ransom, who has flown under the radar, is another player to watch.

Why This Game Matters

This isn’t just another championship game. It’s the culmination of the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff, a new era for the sport. Both teams are underdogs by seeding—Notre Dame at No. 7 and Ohio State at No. 8—but they’ve proven they belong here. This game is about more than just breaking droughts or lifting a trophy. It’s about legacy.

For Marcus Freeman, a win would solidify his place among the game’s top coaches and validate Notre Dame’s decision to hire him. For Ryan Day, it’s a chance to deliver on years of promise and quiet any doubts about his ability to lead Ohio State to the pinnacle of college football.

What to Expect

Expect a physical, hard-fought game. Notre Dame’s toughness and Ohio State’s defensive prowess set the stage for a battle where every play matters. Mistakes will be costly, and the team that capitalizes on its opportunities will likely walk away with the title. Both teams have been tested, and both have shown they can rise to the occasion.

As fans, we’re in for a treat. This game has all the ingredients of a classic—storied programs, star players, compelling storylines, and the weight of history hanging over every snap. Whether it’s Notre Dame breaking a 37-year drought or Ohio State reclaiming the championship after a decade, one team will leave Atlanta as a champion. The question is: who will it be?

Mark your calendars for January 20, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. ET, and tune in on ESPN. This is one game you don’t want to miss.

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