Buckeyes Return to Top of College Football Mountain

Published: Tuesday, January 21, 2025

by Kyle Ferreira

ATLANTA — After 10 years, the Ohio State Buckeyes (14-2) recaptured their spot as college football’s best Monday night. On an unusually cold evening in Atlanta, the Buckeyes defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (14-2) in the national championship game 34-23.

It was a long journey for both programs, which battled adversity and high expectations throughout the season. Each team boasted talented players, exceptional coaching staffs, and the philosophies that make them among college football’s elite. Early on, Notre Dame appeared to be on the path to victory, but Ohio State ultimately came out on top.

The Fighting Irish’s first drive was executed perfectly, led by quarterback Riley Leonard’s running ability. Used in key short-yardage situations, Leonard ran the ball nine times during a drive that lasted nearly 10 minutes. The ground-heavy attack ended with a touchdown for Notre Dame, giving the Irish a 7-0 lead with 5:15 remaining in the first quarter.

Ohio State responded on its opening drive with a touchdown of its own when Jeremiah Smith scored on an 8-yard reception. From that point on, the Buckeyes found their rhythm on both sides of the ball. Ohio State’s defense stifled Notre Dame’s offense, shutting down both the passing and running game for the remainder of the half.

The Buckeyes made positive gains offensively in the second quarter, outsmarting everything the Fighting Irish threw at them. Whether Notre Dame was in man or zone coverage, the Buckeyes exploited holes in the defense.

This was evident late in the second quarter when, after a timeout, quarterback Will Howard made a critical play to extend the lead to 21-7. Facing zone coverage, Howard rolled to his right, drew three defenders, and found a wide-open Quinshon Judkins in the end zone.

The second half opened with an explosive 70-yard run by running back Judkins, putting Ohio State in the red zone. Judkins followed with a touchdown run, extending the lead to 28-7. Later in the third quarter, kicker Jayden Fielding added a field goal, increasing Ohio State's lead to 31-7.

For Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, it was a pivotal moment for him and his program. Despite being outplayed for much of the game, the Fighting Irish remained competitive and stayed the course.

Notre Dame receiver Jaden Greathouse became a key contributor in the second half, catching two critical touchdowns to help the Fighting Irish rally late. With 4:15 remaining in the fourth quarter, Ohio State led 31-23.

The Buckeyes, who had adopted a conservative play-calling approach in the second half, needed to stay aggressive to close the game. Facing a 3rd and 11 on a late drive, running the ball with Howard wasn’t working, so what did Ohio State do?

Facing a seven-man rush, Howard threw a perfect pass to standout receiver Smith on a go route for a 56-yard reception. Smith, who had no touches in the second half, sealed the victory for the Buckeyes. Another field goal from Ohio State secured their season at the pinnacle of college football.

After a year of criticism, doubt, and disapproval, the Buckeyes silenced their critics and won it all. From head coach Ryan Day to the stellar play of linebacker Cody Simon, Ohio State achieved its ultimate goal.

A team that returned many players from last season’s roster reached its aspirations and will forever be remembered in Buckeye lore.

Kyle Ferreira can be reached at kyle.ferreira@student.shu.edu. 

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