In Monday’s US college football national championship game in Atlanta, Georgia, the Ohio State University Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish 34-23 after dominating early and surviving a late Notre Dame rally.
After losing to bitter rivals Michigan in November and being placed eighth in the College Football Playoff, which was enlarged to 12 teams this season, the Buckeyes’ victory appeared improbable. However, they won their ninth national championship and their first since 2014.
Ohio State took control of the game after Notre Dame marched 75 yards to a touchdown on the first drive.
The score was tied at 7–7 when quarterback Will Howard connected Jeremiah Smith with an eight-yard touchdown pass.
Quinshon Judkins’ three touchdowns and Jayden Fielding’s 46-yard field goal helped the Buckeyes increase their advantage to 31-7.
Riley Leonard, the quarterback, struck Jaden Greathouse with touchdown passes of thirty and thirty-four yards to add some stress.
Two-point conversions followed each, and with 4:15 left, Notre Dame closed the gap to 31-23.
However, the Buckeyes rallied, and with 26 seconds remaining, Fielding’s 33-yard field goal sealed the victory after Howard found Smith with a 56-yard pass down the right sideline to extend a drive.
Howard threw an outstanding 17 of 21 throws for 231 yards, and Judkins ran for 100 yards with a six-yard touchdown catch sandwiched between touchdowns of 34 and 30 yards.
Notre Dame is still vying for their 14th national championship, their first since 1988, as a result of the loss.
