Ohio State’s victory in the first 12-team College Football Playoff showcased their resilience and dominance, culminating in a 34-23 triumph over Notre Dame. Quinshon Judkins and Will Howard were the stars, with Judkins scoring three touchdowns and Howard completing a near-perfect first half.
The Buckeyes’ offensive efficiency was on full display, particularly in their first-half drives that consumed over 16 minutes of possession. The game marked a historic performance for Howard, who set a CFP championship-game record by completing his first 13 passes. Jeremiah Smith’s clutch 56-yard reception in the closing minutes was pivotal in securing the win.
Notre Dame fought valiantly, with Riley Leonard and Jaden Greathouse sparking a late-game rally, but the early deficit proved insurmountable. The loss capped a strong season for the Fighting Irish, though they fell short of claiming the title.
Ohio State’s victory is a testament to their ability to regroup after their regular-season loss to Michigan, reinforcing Ryan Day’s position as head coach and solidifying the Buckeyes’ place atop college football’s elite.
