In the 12-team College Football Playoff’s historic debut, the semifinal clashes have set the stage for a compelling CFP National Championship between two storied programs: Notre Dame and Ohio State.
Notre Dame edged past Penn State with a 27-24 victory in the Orange Bowl. The Fighting Irish showcased resilience, overcoming a halftime deficit to secure their spot in the championship game. Quarterback Riley Leonard and wide receiver Jaden Greathouse were instrumental in the offensive surge, while the defense, highlighted by Christian Gray’s pivotal interception, held firm against the Nittany Lions’ advances.
Meanwhile, Ohio State demonstrated their prowess with a 28-14 win over Texas in the Cotton Bowl. Quarterback Quinn Ewers led the Longhorns with 283 passing yards and two touchdowns, but the Buckeyes’ defense stifled Texas’s momentum, particularly during critical red-zone opportunities. This victory propels Ohio State into the national championship, seeking their first title since 2014.
CFP National Championship Showdown
The upcoming CFP National Championship, slated for January 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, features a classic rivalry renewed. Notre Dame, aiming for their first national title since 1988, enters the contest with a 14-1 record, demonstrating grit and determination throughout the expanded playoff. Head coach Marcus Freeman, making history as the first Black head coach in an FBS national title game, has emphasized the team’s collective effort and resilience.
Ohio State, also boasting a 14-1 record, seeks to add another championship to its storied legacy. The Buckeyes’ journey through the playoffs has been marked by decisive victories and steadfast defense, setting the stage for a highly anticipated matchup against the Fighting Irish. Despite a one-loss season, that one loss was to a lowly Michigan team and anyone who knows anything about College ball knows that’s a fate worse than death. A natty was the only thing that would erase that Michigan loss from the minds of the Buckeye faithful and now it’s right there for the taking. It feels like all the pressure will be on Ryan Day come game day.
Historical Context and Rivalry:
Adding an extra layer of intrigue is the ongoing tension between Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and former Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz. Their public feud, stemming from comments made in 2023, remains unresolved, potentially fueling competitive spirits on both sides. This was started after a bit from the Pat McAfee show where ‘fake Lou Holtz’ talked shit about Ryan Day and Ryan Day was fired up about the comments because he may or may not have realized it was the Toxic Table’s Ty Schmidt dressed as Lou Holtz talking shit, not actual Lou Holtz.
As the CFP National Championship game approaches, fans and analysts are abuzz with predictions and analyses. The expanded playoff format has already been a success, providing thrilling matchups and opportunities for teams to showcase their stadiums, fan bases, and talents to the nation. With both teams displaying exceptional skill and determination, the CFP National Championship promises to be a memorable culmination of the season.
CFP National Championship Prediction
Notre Dame wins a thriller off the leg of Mitch Jeter in a 24-21 classic. They find a way to win this game through great coaching and Riley Leonard’s moxie. I think their defense does enough to shut down Ohio State’s playmakers and Will Howard struggles to hit the homerun plays.
