On January 20th, 2025, football fans will witness a captivating showdown as the Ohio State Buckeyes take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the College Football Playoff National Championship game. This titanic clash at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta will ignite excitement among supporters of both teams, as they chase the pinnacle of college football glory.
Notre Dame’s Path to the Championship
The Fighting Irish have shown remarkable resilience this season. As the 7-seed, they earned their spot in the final with a hard-fought 27-24 win over Penn State in the Orange Bowl. This thrilling game demonstrated Notre Dame’s ability to battle back from a halftime deficit of 10-3, showcasing their fighting spirit and determination when the stakes are high. Currently enjoying an impressive 13-game winning streak, the Notre Dame squad has navigated through many challenges, notably injuries that tested their depth and teamwork throughout the season.
Ohio State’s Journey to the Title Match
On the other side, the Ohio State Buckeyes, ranked as the 8-seed, have proven they can bounce back from setbacks, most notably a previous losing streak against rivals Michigan. Their journey to the National Championship has seen them triumph over formidable opponents like Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas, where their talent truly shined. With a roster brimming with young talent, including freshman standout Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State is geared up for a fierce battle on college football’s biggest stage, fueled by their dreams of reclaiming national glory.
A Clash of Defensive Titans
Both teams come into this championship with impressive defensive records. Ohio State has dominated by only allowing 12.2 points and 251.1 yards per game, all while recording 51 sacks, ranking third nationally. With such an ironclad defense, they have made it increasingly difficult for their opponents to score. Meanwhile, Notre Dame isn’t far behind, boasting the second-best defense in the country, limiting scores to just 14.3 points per game and holding opponents to an average of 298.3 yards. This matchup promises to be a tactical battle showcasing both teams’ defenses going head-to-head.
Offensive Stars Ready to Shine
Offensively, fans can look forward to highlights from both teams’ prolific scoring threats. Ohio State’s quarterback, Will Howard, dazzled with a remarkable 3,779 passing yards this season, spreading the ball around effectively. On the flip side, Notre Dame’s QB, Riley Leonard, not only contributed with 2,606 passing yards but also added another dimension to the offense with his rushing ability, accumulating 866 yards on the ground. Additionally, star running back Jeremiyah Love has been a reliable offensive weapon for Notre Dame, clocking in at an average of 7.1 yards per carry. It’s this blend of talent that will make for an exciting duel on the field.
Game Day Expectations: Who Will Prevail?
As excitement ramps up, Ohio State has been installed as the favored team to win, with a 9.5 point advantage over Notre Dame. The total points over/under is set at 45.5, indicating expectations for a potentially close contest. Both teams want to prove they belong at this top tier and have been preparing extensively for what promises to be a momentous championship battle. Fans are eager to see which team will take home the coveted trophy and make their school proud.
Catch the Action Live
Don’t miss out on this thrilling finale! The championship game kicks off on January 20th, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Tune in to witness which of these powerhouses will come out on top and seize the National Championship title!
| Team | Wins | Losses | Last Championship Win |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State | 12 | 2 | 2014 |
| Notre Dame | 13 | 1 | 1988 |
