College Football Playoff: Ohio State defeats Notre Dame 34-23 to earn their first national championship in ten years.

The 2024 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship Game will be remembered as a historic moment for the Ohio State Buckeyes, who defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 34-23 to secure their first national championship in ten years. The win not only ended a decade-long title drought but also marked a stunning and hard-fought victory that reaffirmed Ohio State’s place as one of college football’s premier programs.

Ohio State had not hoisted the national championship trophy since 2014, and the road to redemption was paved with a resilient team effort, crucial coaching decisions, and stellar performances from both veterans and emerging stars. The Buckeyes faced an exceptionally tough Notre Dame squad in the title game, one that had been a dominant force all season under head coach Marcus Freeman. Despite the Irish’s formidable defense and offensive balance, Ohio State proved that their championship pedigree, led by dynamic playmakers and a battle-tested squad, was more than enough to take home the title.

The Road to the National Championship

The Buckeyes entered the 2024 season with high hopes, featuring a powerful roster that included star quarterback C.J. Stroud, dynamic wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., and a stout defense led by defensive lineman J.T. Tuimoloau. With a strong mix of experience and youth, Ohio State seemed poised to make another run at the national title.

Ohio State’s path to the national championship was anything but easy. They faced tough tests in both their conference and the postseason. In the Big Ten Championship, the Buckeyes faced off against the gritty Iowa Hawkeyes, who had an excellent defense but struggled offensively. Ohio State’s offensive firepower, however, proved to be too much for Iowa to handle, as Stroud’s pinpoint passing and the explosive playmaking ability of Harrison propelled Ohio State to a dominant victory.

The Buckeyes’ journey to the CFP semifinals was marked by tense matchups against rivals like Michigan and Penn State. While the game against Michigan was a nail-biting affair, with Ohio State managing a dramatic late-game comeback to win 30-27, their victory over Penn State in the Big Ten Championship solidified their playoff positioning.

As the fourth seed in the CFP, Ohio State was matched against the top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs in the semifinal. Georgia had been a juggernaut throughout the season, with one of the best defenses in college football. However, Ohio State’s offense found ways to exploit Georgia’s defense in a thrilling 42-38 semifinal win. Stroud’s calmness in the pocket and his connection with Harrison proved to be the deciding factors, while Ohio State’s defense stepped up with timely stops.

That victory set up a dream matchup in the national championship against the second-seeded Notre Dame Fighting Irish, who had shocked many by making it this far. Notre Dame had been strong defensively throughout the season and boasted a well-balanced offense led by quarterback Sam Hartman. For Ohio State, winning the national title would be the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance, and the stage was set for a championship showdown in the 2024 CFP National Championship Game.

The Battle of the Giants: Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

When the national championship game kicked off in Los Angeles, the atmosphere was electric. The Rose Bowl was packed with fans from both Ohio State and Notre Dame, and the stakes could not have been higher. The game featured two programs with rich traditions, both of which had passionate fanbases eager for a championship.

From the opening whistle, it was clear that this was going to be a battle of contrasting styles. Notre Dame’s offense, led by Hartman, was methodical and balanced. They used a run-heavy attack combined with play-action passes to keep Ohio State’s defense on its toes. In contrast, Ohio State’s high-powered offense, led by Stroud, was explosive and relied heavily on big plays, with Harrison Jr. often being the focal point of the passing attack.

The first quarter saw a feeling-out process as both teams adjusted to each other’s strengths. Notre Dame struck first, as Hartman led the Irish on an impressive 80-yard drive that ended in a 7-yard touchdown pass to tight end Mitchell Evans. The Irish were able to control the clock and establish their run game, which allowed them to take an early 7-0 lead.

Ohio State responded in a big way. Stroud, showing the poise and precision that had made him a Heisman finalist, quickly orchestrated a fast-paced drive down the field. With pinpoint throws to Harrison Jr. and fellow wideout Emeka Egbuka, Stroud marched the Buckeyes into Notre Dame territory. The drive culminated in a 14-yard touchdown pass to tight end Cade Stover, who made an impressive catch over the middle. The game was knotted at 7-7, and it was clear that this would be a back-and-forth affair.

Mid-Game Adjustments and Key Plays

The middle portion of the game was a chess match between two excellent coaching staffs. Notre Dame continued to churn out yards with a balanced offense, but Ohio State’s defense, which had been questioned earlier in the season, rose to the occasion. Led by Tuimoloau and linebacker Tommy Eichenberg, the Buckeyes were able to apply consistent pressure on Hartman and limit the Irish’s explosive plays.

In the second quarter, Ohio State took control of the game. Stroud, playing with remarkable composure, found Harrison Jr. on a deep 45-yard strike down the sideline. Harrison’s incredible ability to make contested catches under pressure was on full display as he hauled in the ball despite tight coverage. This play set up a 1-yard touchdown run from TreVeyon Henderson, giving Ohio State their first lead of the game at 14-7.

Notre Dame wasn’t done yet, however. The Irish answered back with a strong drive that was capped off by a 25-yard touchdown run from running back Audric Estime. The Buckeyes’ defense struggled to contain Estime, who had been gashing them up the middle all night. After the touchdown, the Irish took a 21-17 lead with just over two minutes left in the half.

But Ohio State was not going to let the first half end on a sour note. Stroud, ever the composed leader, led the Buckeyes down the field with precision and urgency. A 30-yard strike to Harrison Jr. set up a 45-yard field goal attempt by Noah Ruggles as time expired. The kick was true, and Ohio State went into halftime with a 20-17 lead.

The Second Half: Ohio State Pulls Away

The second half began with both teams still very much in the game, but it was clear that Ohio State had gained momentum. On the opening drive of the third quarter, Stroud hit Harrison Jr. for a 38-yard touchdown, showcasing their special connection once more. The Buckeyes now had a 27-17 lead, and Notre Dame was forced to play catch-up.

Notre Dame tried to mount a response, and they were able to put together another methodical drive, but Ohio State’s defense once again came through when it mattered most. On a critical 3rd-and-2 deep in Ohio State territory, Tuimoloau broke through the line of scrimmage and sacked Hartman, forcing a 4th-and-long. The Irish were unable to convert on the subsequent play, and Ohio State regained possession.

The Buckeyes’ offense, led by Stroud, made sure to capitalize on the stop. Stroud connected with Marvin Harrison Jr. once again for a 22-yard gain that put Ohio State in prime field position. This set up a short touchdown run by Henderson, who found the end zone for the second time in the game, extending Ohio State’s lead to 34-17 with just under ten minutes left in the game.

Notre Dame didn’t go quietly. Hartman and the Irish offense mounted a final push, with Hartman finding Evans for a 12-yard touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter to bring the score to 34-23. However, Ohio State’s defense stiffened in the final moments, forcing a turnover on downs after Notre Dame’s last-gasp drive failed to gain traction.

A Champion is Crowned

As the clock ticked down to zero, the Ohio State Buckeyes had secured their first national championship in ten years. The players, coaches, and fans erupted in celebration, knowing that they had overcome incredible adversity to reach this moment of glory.

C.J. Stroud, who had been named the game’s Most Valuable Player, was the driving force behind Ohio State’s victory. Stroud’s poise, accuracy, and ability to make key plays in critical moments were on full display throughout the game. Marvin Harrison Jr. was another standout performer, finishing with 8 catches for 150 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Ohio State defense, despite some early struggles, made crucial stops when it mattered most, including the key sack and turnover on downs in the second half.

Head coach Ryan Day, who had led the Buckeyes to multiple playoff appearances, was finally able to capture his first national championship. Day’s leadership, vision, and ability to get the best out of his players were central to Ohio State’s triumph. The win was a testament to his growth as a coach and the strength of the entire Ohio State program.

For the Ohio State faithful, this championship was the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifices, and unwavering belief in the program’s potential. The 2024 National Championship will go down as one of the most memorable moments in Ohio State football history—a victory that not only ended a ten-year title drought but also reinforced Ohio State’s place as a true powerhouse in college football.

As the Buckeyes celebrated, they knew that this was just the beginning. With a talented roster returning next season and a strong foundation in place, Ohio State is poised to remain at the top of the college football world for years to come. The 2024 national championship was a statement, and it was one that no one would soon forget.