Fighting Irish Today

The inaugural national championship game of the 12-team College Football Playoff is shaping up to be a dream matchup for TV execs: Notre Dame (14-1) and Ohio State (13-2) will square off on January 20 in Atlanta. It’s the heart of SEC country, but for the second consecutive year, no SEC team will be involved in the title game. Following last season’s Michigan-Washington showdown, this marks the first time since 2004 and 2005 (USC vs. Oklahoma and USC vs. Texas) that two title games have featured no SEC teams.

While this is a #7 vs. #8 matchup, don’t be fooled—these two programs are far from Cinderella stories. With two of the most iconic brands in college football, this game promises massive TV ratings, though Ohio State enters as the heavy favorite. The Athletic’s projection gives the Buckeyes a 69% chance to win.

For Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, a win would secure the Buckeyes’ first national championship since the 2014 season, redeeming a regular season that was marred by a painful loss to Michigan.

The History Behind the Matchup

For Marcus Freeman, the head coach of Notre Dame, this game is a full-circle moment. Freeman’s first regular-season game as the Irish’s head coach came against Ohio State in 2022, where the Buckeyes dominated. Ohio State also won their rematch last season, a thriller that was decided in the final minute after a controversial goal-line play. The Buckeyes have won six straight against Notre Dame dating back to 1995, a stretch that includes two dominant Fiesta Bowl victories.

Freeman, however, has made significant strides since those early defeats. The 39-year-old coach has a chance to become the first Black head coach to win a major college football championship—a historic achievement if it happens.

On the other side, Ohio State is chasing its seventh national title, seeking to break in the new playoff system with another championship. The Buckeyes last won it all in 2014 under coach Urban Meyer.

A Closer Look: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Key Players

Both teams come into the game after strong Playoff performances, but with plenty to prove on both sides of the ball.

Ohio State has been explosive on offense, putting up 83 points in their first two Playoff games. But they were slowed in the semifinal by a tough Texas defense that neutralized their big-play threat, particularly freshman sensation Jeremiah Smith. Texas may have provided the blueprint for defending Ohio State’s offense, and Notre Dame could follow suit with a pass defense that’s among the nation’s best. Led by freshman corner Leonard Moore and All-American safety Xavier Watts, the Irish secondary allows the fewest completions in the nation at just 50.7%.

On the ground, Ohio State has two talented running backs in TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, but the offensive line has been inconsistent, especially after losing two starters during the regular season.

Notre Dame, meanwhile, relies on a combination of physical defense and a strong running game. The Irish have also had to deal with injuries, particularly on the offensive line and in the backfield. Star running back Jeremiyah Love, a major playmaker for the Irish, has been dealing with a nagging knee issue, and his limited usage in the Playoff may play a role in the outcome of the game.

Riley Leonard, Notre Dame’s dual-threat quarterback, has been a force on the ground, rushing for 866 yards and 16 touchdowns. But he’ll need to avoid mistakes—he threw two interceptions in the Irish’s semifinal win over Penn State. Leonard’s ability to elude pressure and make plays with his legs will be crucial against Ohio State’s elite defensive line, led by edge rushers JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer.

The X-Factor: Injuries and Depth

Both teams have dealt with significant injuries, and depth will be a key factor. Notre Dame is especially banged up on the offensive line, where they lost two starters in the semifinal against Penn State. Freshman tackle Anthonie Knapp missed part of the game with an ankle injury, and guard Rocco Spindler has been playing through an ankle issue since the first round against Indiana.

Ohio State’s defense has been firing on all cylinders, but the Buckeyes will need to stay disciplined against Notre Dame’s unpredictable offense. Sawyer’s strip-sack and scoop-and-score in the Cotton Bowl were crucial in getting Ohio State to this point, and he’ll need to keep up his high-level play to stifle Leonard and the Irish attack.

Why You Should Be Excited

This is the College Football Playoff National Championship—that’s reason enough to tune in. Add in two of the sport’s most historic and beloved programs, two elite coaches with compelling storylines, and plenty of talent on both sides of the ball, and you have the makings of a classic. The matchup is a perfect blend of tradition, star power, and the intense rivalry between two of college football’s biggest brands.

Line: Ohio State -9.5.