Ohio State vs. Notre Dame: The Battle for the 2024 CFP National Championship

The 2024 college football season is coming to a thrilling end as Ohio State and Notre Dame prepare to face off in the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship game. This game, which takes place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, marks the end of an unforgettable season that began nearly five months ago. With one of these historic football programs set to add another championship to their collection, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

This year’s championship game is especially exciting because it’s the first time the CFP has expanded to a 12-team format, giving fans even more thrilling matchups throughout the tournament. Ohio State and Notre Dame, two of college football’s most prestigious teams, have battled their way through tough competition to make it to the final game of the season.

Ohio State's Journey to the Championship

Ohio State enters this championship game as the No. 8 seed, but they have been nothing short of dominant in their path to the title game. Despite their lower seed, the Buckeyes have looked like the top team in the country, putting on an impressive display in their first three playoff games.

Under the leadership of head coach Ryan Day, Ohio State has defeated some of the toughest teams in college football, including Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas. In fact, the Buckeyes won all three of these games by a combined total of 59 points, showing just how powerful they are.

Their most recent win, a 28-14 victory over Texas on January 10 in the Cotton Bowl, was a bit more challenging. It wasn’t until late in the game, when Jack Sawyer made an incredible 83-yard scoop-and-score touchdown off a fumble recovery, that Ohio State secured the win. This dramatic play with just over two minutes remaining sealed the victory and sent the Buckeyes to the national championship.

Notre Dame’s Impressive Run

Notre Dame, the No. 7 seed in this year’s CFP, has been equally impressive. Since suffering a surprising loss to Northern Illinois in early September, the Fighting Irish have been on a tear, winning 13 consecutive games. Their playoff run has been especially remarkable, with victories over Indiana, Georgia, and Penn State.

In their most recent game, a 27-24 win over Penn State in the Orange Bowl on January 9, Notre Dame showed their resilience. The game came down to the wire, and with just seven seconds left on the clock, kicker Mitch Jeter nailed a clutch 41-yard field goal to give the Irish the victory and a spot in the championship game. With such a strong showing in the playoffs, Notre Dame is clearly a force to be reckoned with, and they are hungry to add another national title to their storied history.

The Big Game: Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

This championship game isn’t just about football; it’s about two teams with a deep passion for the game and a rich history of success. Both Ohio State and Notre Dame have earned their place in this game, and now it all comes down to one final matchup.

For Notre Dame, the stakes are even higher. Their head coach, Marcus Freeman, is a former Ohio State player, making this championship game particularly special for him. Freeman played linebacker for the Buckeyes from 2004 to 2008, and now, he’s leading the Fighting Irish against his alma mater. If Freeman’s team manages to win, he will make history as the first Black coach in the history of FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) to win a national championship. This would be a monumental achievement, not just for Freeman, but for college football as a whole.

A Historic Matchup

The game itself promises to be a thrilling contest. Ohio State’s high-powered offense, led by quarterback Kyle McCord and a host of talented skill players, will look to outscore Notre Dame. The Buckeyes have been explosive all season, and they will rely on their speed and talent to break down the Irish defense.

On the other hand, Notre Dame’s defense has been one of the toughest in the country. The Irish have been known for their physical style of play, and they will need to be at their best to contain Ohio State’s offensive weapons. Quarterback Sam Hartman, who has been impressive all season, will also need to step up for Notre Dame, leading his team to victory with both his arm and his leadership.

How to Watch the Game

The 2024 CFP National Championship game between Ohio State and Notre Dame will be broadcast live on major networks, so fans can tune in to watch the drama unfold. Be sure to check your local listings for the exact time and network information so you don’t miss a second of the action. With so much at stake, this is a game that no college football fan will want to miss.

Conclusion

The 2024 CFP National Championship between Ohio State and Notre Dame is shaping up to be an unforgettable game. With both teams boasting impressive playoff runs and a rich history of success, this is sure to be one of the most exciting championship games in recent memory. Whether you're a fan of the Buckeyes or the Fighting Irish, this game promises to deliver all the drama, excitement, and intensity that college football fans crave.

Stay tuned for more updates, scores, and highlights as we get closer to the big game!