Ohio State Wins College Football Championship

Ohio State scored on its first five possessions and then held off comeback minded Notre Dame to win the College Football Playoff Championship game 34-23 on January 20th in Atlanta. It was the Buckeyes’ first national title since 2014. It was also the first back to back championships for Big Ten Conference teams since 1942. Michigan won the championship game last year.

Notre Dame got the scoring going on an 18 play touchdown drive in the first quarter. Ohio State scored three touchdowns in the second quarter, two of them by running back Quinshon Judkins. Judkins then scored another touchdown with a one yard run in the third quarter. Jayden Fielding added a 46 yard field goal for the Buckeyes, who led 31-7 with 7:52 left in the third quarter.

Notre Dame looked pretty much done for at that point, but the Fighting Irish mounted a comeback. Quarterback Riley Leonard threw a pair of touchdown passes to wide receiver Jaden Greathouse, who had six receptions for 128 yards and those two TDs in the game. Both touchdowns were followed by successful two point conversion attempts, and the Ohio State lead was down to 31-23 with 4:15 left in the fourth quarter.

Ohio State took the kickoff and followed with a nine play drive that resulted in a field goal with 26 seconds left. The game essentially was over when the Buckeyes converted a third down and 11 on a Will Howard to Jeremiah Smith pass for a 56 yard gain. From then on it was a case of running down the clock and getting into position for the field goal.

Ohio State ends the season at 14-2 and the national championship. Notre Dame also finished 14-2. For those looking ahead, Ohio State will host Texas in the Buckeyes’ 2025 season opener on August 30th. Notre Dame will be at Miami (FL) on Labor Day Weekend with time and day to be determined.