Ohio State Enters as a Double-Digit Favorite Over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game
As the final whistle blew on a thrilling season of college football, the stage was set for an epic showdown in the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship Game. Ohio State, a team that had played with swagger, precision, and dominance all season, was headed into the biggest game of the year as a double-digit favorite against the storied Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The Buckeyes, led by an explosive offense and a stout defense, had managed to find their rhythm at the perfect time. But standing in their way was a Notre Dame team that had quietly made its case as one of the country’s most dangerous teams—one that had the talent, experience, and pedigree to knock off any opponent.
In what promises to be a clash of styles, philosophies, and rich football traditions, Ohio State entered the contest with a well-earned confidence but also an awareness of the challenge that lay ahead. For Notre Dame, the national championship game presented an opportunity to solidify its place as one of college football’s elite programs, while for Ohio State, it was the chance to claim another title and further its dynasty.
The Buckeyes’ status as a double-digit favorite created the backdrop for a high-stakes matchup that would test both teams’ mettle, execution, and resolve. It was a game that would be about more than just X’s and O’s—it was a contest of legacy, expectations, and the pride of two of the most iconic college football programs in the country.
The Road to the National Championship Game
Ohio State had been nothing short of dominant all season. From the very first week, the Buckeyes showcased their offensive firepower and defensive versatility. With quarterback C.J. Stroud playing at a Heisman-caliber level and running back TreVeyon Henderson continuing to prove himself as one of the nation’s best, Ohio State was a well-balanced team that could strike from anywhere on the field. The offensive line, anchored by veterans, created holes for the running backs while giving Stroud ample time to survey the field and deliver the ball to playmakers like Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Julian Fleming. On the other side of the ball, the Buckeyes’ defense, led by the disruptive pass rusher Jack Sawyer, had grown into one of the most formidable units in the country.
Ohio State’s schedule had been a gauntlet, but the Buckeyes never wavered. They made quick work of the Big Ten, dominated their non-conference schedule, and dismantled opponents with methodical precision. The team’s lone loss came to Michigan in the regular season, but the Buckeyes quickly bounced back, avenging the loss in the Big Ten Championship Game. From there, Ohio State cruised into the CFP, earning a spot in the National Championship Game as the No. 1 overall seed.
In their semifinal game, Ohio State faced a stiff test against a talented SEC team in the playoff. The Buckeyes passed the test with flying colors, overpowering their opponent and securing a dominant victory that confirmed their status as the best team in the country. Behind stellar performances from Stroud and Sawyer, Ohio State made a definitive statement that they were ready to take on anyone in the title game.
Notre Dame’s Cinderella Story
While Ohio State entered the National Championship Game as the prohibitive favorite, Notre Dame’s path to the title game had been more about overcoming adversity and proving the doubters wrong. The Fighting Irish had long been considered one of the top programs in college football, but many had written them off after their shaky start to the season. Notre Dame had stumbled early, dropping games to tough opponents. Yet, as the season progressed, head coach Marcus Freeman’s squad found its stride.
Notre Dame’s defense, led by standout linebacker Jack Kiser and cornerback Benjamin Morrison, became one of the best in the country, regularly stifling high-powered offenses. On the offensive side of the ball, quarterback Sam Hartman, the graduate transfer from Wake Forest, proved to be the missing piece for the Irish. Hartman’s poise in the pocket, his ability to read defenses, and his deep ball accuracy were integral to Notre Dame’s offensive resurgence. The Irish also boasted a solid running game behind Audric Estime, who ran with power and determination.
But it wasn’t just talent that carried Notre Dame to the National Championship Game—it was heart. The team showed resilience in the face of adversity, winning key games against tough competition, and ultimately emerging from a competitive field to earn their spot in the title game. In the semifinals, Notre Dame pulled off a stunning upset over a highly-favored opponent, showcasing a balanced attack on both sides of the ball. Freeman’s game plan was executed perfectly, and the Irish defense was relentless in containing one of the most dynamic offenses in college football.
By the time Notre Dame found itself in the championship game, it was clear that this was a team on a mission. The Fighting Irish had proved they belonged, and now they were out to prove that they were more than just a Cinderella story—they were a legitimate title contender.
Ohio State’s Strengths
Going into the title game, Ohio State’s greatest strength was its offensive prowess. With C.J. Stroud, one of the most talented quarterbacks in recent memory, pulling the strings, the Buckeyes’ offense was capable of scoring at will. Stroud had an arsenal of weapons at his disposal, including Harrison, a wide receiver with elite speed, precise route running, and ball skills. Together with Egbuka and Fleming, Stroud had a trio of dynamic receivers that could stretch the field and challenge any secondary. Henderson provided a powerful running game to complement the passing attack, giving Ohio State the balance needed to keep opposing defenses on their heels.
But while Ohio State’s offense was potent, the team’s defense was what really set them apart this season. The defensive line, spearheaded by Jack Sawyer, was one of the best in the nation, constantly pressuring quarterbacks and stifling running backs in the backfield. Sawyer, in particular, was a game-changer—his ability to rush the passer and disrupt plays was a key reason why Ohio State had one of the most feared defenses in college football. The Buckeyes’ secondary, featuring cornerbacks like Denzel Burke, was equally as formidable, able to shut down top receivers and force turnovers.
In the National Championship Game, Ohio State’s defense would play a crucial role. The key to victory for the Buckeyes would be to stifle Notre Dame’s balanced offensive attack and force Sam Hartman to make mistakes. The pressure on Hartman would be immense, and Ohio State’s defense would need to bring relentless pressure from the front seven while staying disciplined in coverage on the back end.
Notre Dame’s Game Plan
Despite entering the game as heavy underdogs, Notre Dame was not going to shy away from the challenge. Head coach Marcus Freeman had a well-thought-out game plan designed to keep Ohio State’s explosive offense off the field and neutralize their pass rush. Freeman knew that the best way to counter Ohio State’s defense was with a ball-control offense that would eat up clock and keep the Buckeyes’ defense on its heels.
In Sam Hartman, Notre Dame had a quarterback capable of handling the pressure of a big-game situation. Hartman’s experience and ability to read defenses would be critical as the Irish looked to strike when the opportunity arose. The key for Notre Dame’s offense would be to mix things up, keeping Ohio State’s defense guessing. Running back Audric Estime would be pivotal in pounding the ball on the ground and wearing down the Buckeyes’ defensive line, while Hartman would look to take shots downfield to explosive playmakers like tight end Michael Mayer and wide receiver Chris Tyree.
On defense, Notre Dame would need to find a way to slow down Ohio State’s high-octane offense. The Irish’s front seven, led by linebacker Jack Kiser, would need to find a way to contain Stroud and force him into uncomfortable situations. While Ohio State’s receivers were dangerous, Notre Dame’s secondary, anchored by Benjamin Morrison, was no slouch and would need to keep the Buckeyes’ wideouts in check. The Fighting Irish would have to mix coverages and apply pressure to Stroud to avoid giving him the time he needed to carve up their defense.
The Matchup
As the teams prepared for the National Championship Game, Ohio State entered as the clear favorite. The Buckeyes had been more consistent and dominant throughout the season, and their offense, led by Stroud and Henderson, had been unstoppable. But for all of their talent, Ohio State couldn’t afford to overlook Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish had shown time and time again that they were capable of pulling off the upset, and with their defense playing at a high level, they were always a threat to disrupt the rhythm of any offense.
For Ohio State, the challenge would be staying patient and executing their game plan, understanding that Notre Dame’s defense was tough, disciplined, and capable of making big plays. The Buckeyes’ defense, particularly Sawyer and the pass rush, would need to put pressure on Hartman early and force him into uncomfortable situations. The key would be to make Notre Dame one-dimensional, forcing the Irish to rely on Hartman’s arm to win the game.
For Notre Dame, the task would be daunting—contain Ohio State’s explosive offense and find a way to score against one of the best defenses in the country. But if there was any team capable of pulling off the upset, it was Notre Dame. With the right combination of execution, determination, and a bit of luck, the Fighting Irish had the ability to make this National Championship Game one for the ages.
As kickoff drew near, the College Football Playoff National Championship Game was set to be a spectacle—a true clash of football titans, with Ohio State looking to cement its place as the best team in the nation, while Notre Dame fought for the chance to capture a long-awaited national title. The excitement was palpable, and with both teams primed for the ultimate showdown, it was anyone’s game.