On Monday, January 20, the No. 8-seeded Ohio State Buckeyes will take on the No. 7-seeded Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the College Football Playoff National Championship in Atlanta, Georgia. The Buckeyes are seeking their first title since 2014, the year the playoff expanded to a four-team system, which remained in place until the 2024 season, when it expanded to 12 teams. In contrast, Notre Dame is aiming to break a championship drought that dates back to 1988.

How These Two Teams Got to the National Championship

Notre Dame’s College Football Playoff journey began with a home victory over in-state rival Indiana in the first round. The Fighting Irish then won their first major bowl game in 31 years, defeating Georgia 23-10 in the Sugar Bowl. They punched their ticket to the title game with a win over Penn State in last week’s Orange Bowl.

Meanwhile, Ohio State secured its third appearance in the College Football Playoff era with wins over Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas. The Buckeyes sealed a 28-14 victory over the Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl, thanks to a dramatic late strip-and-score by Jack Sawyer.

How Both Teams’ Quarterbacks Stack Up

Will Howard and Riley Leonard are both key to their respective teams’ success. Howard is considered the better pure passer of the two and has played his best football during Ohio State’s playoff run. In three games against Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas, Howard has thrown for 919 yards, six touchdowns, and just two interceptions. Leonard, on the other hand, is the superior runner. He rushed for 886 yards and 16 touchdowns during the season, including an 80-yard performance in the win over Georgia. This matchup is fairly even, with Howard excelling in the air and Leonard on the ground.

Key Players to Watch in This Matchup

• Jeremiah Smith (Wide Receiver): After torching Tennessee and Oregon with 290 yards and four touchdowns, Smith was held in check by Texas, catching just one pass for three yards. However, that allowed Ohio State’s other pass catchers—Tate (seven catches for 87 yards), Egbuka (five catches for 51 yards), and tight end Gee Scott Jr. (five catches)—to step up. With a talented backfield featuring TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State has one of the most dangerous skill-player groups in the country.
• Jeremiah Love (Running Back): Love is a dynamic threat for the Irish, especially out of the backfield. He played against Penn State despite an injury in the Orange Bowl. Tight end Mitchell Evans is also a reliable pass catcher, while Jaden Greenhouse has emerged as a breakout player, especially after his performance against Penn State.

How Both Teams’ Offensive Lines Stack Up

Notre Dame will have to make adjustments to its offensive line after Anthonie Knapp suffered a high-ankle sprain in the Penn State game. With Knapp out, either Jagusah or Tosh Baker will likely start at left tackle. Despite a series of injuries, Notre Dame has finished the season with one of the best offensive lines in the country, allowing just 23 sacks in 15 games.

Ohio State, too, has experienced injuries up front, losing starting center Seth McLaughlin and tackle Josh Simmons for the year. However, the Buckeyes have been slightly better at protecting their quarterback, allowing only 14 sacks in 15 games.

How Both Teams’ Front Sevens Stack Up

Ohio State’s defensive line, led by J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, is one of the best in the country. Sawyer’s game-sealing strip-and-score against Texas highlighted the Buckeyes’ ability to make big plays. With Knapp out, Notre Dame may struggle to handle Ohio State’s front, especially against the run.

Notre Dame will be without star interior lineman Rylie Mills, who suffered a season-ending injury against Indiana. Ohio State has more depth and star power up front, which could give them the advantage.

How Both Teams’ Secondaries Stack Up

Notre Dame finished No. 1 in the country in opposing quarterback rating and completion percentage allowed, despite losing star cornerback Benjamin Morrison to a season-ending injury in October. The Irish also ranked No. 2 in the FBS in passing yards allowed per game, with Ohio State being the only team better in that category.

The Buckeyes boast a deep secondary filled with future NFL talent, giving them a slight edge in this matchup, though Notre Dame’s defense is formidable.

How Both Teams’ Coaches Stack Up

Both coaches have faced criticism at times during their tenures. Marcus Freeman has been criticized for losses to inferior opponents like Marshall and Northern Illinois, while Ryan Day has drawn ire for Ohio State’s struggles against top-five opponents and their four straight losses to Michigan. A win would silence most of these criticisms.

Day has more experience on the big stage, but his 2020 College Football Playoff title game loss to Alabama tempers his advantage. Among active coaches, only Clemson’s Dabo Swinney and Georgia’s Kirby Smart have won national titles. One of these two will join that exclusive club come Monday night.

Keys for Ohio State to Secure a Victory

Ohio State has two primary keys to victory:

1. Open up the passing game through Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka, as they did in the playoff games against Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas.
2. Dominate defensively, especially up front with Tuimoloau and Sawyer, to disrupt Notre Dame’s running game and put pressure on Riley Leonard.

The Buckeyes’ defense has held all three of their playoff opponents to 21 points or less. Ohio State’s offense, led by Will Howard, has been explosive, averaging 42 points in their playoff wins. If Howard continues to excel and the Buckeyes can contain Leonard and Love, Ohio State should emerge victorious.

Keys for Notre Dame to Secure a Victory

Notre Dame’s offense relies on its running game, with Riley Leonard’s legs and Jeremiah Love leading the charge. Leonard can also make plays with his arm, as he showed in the win over Penn State, where he threw for 223 yards. The Irish must find a way to slow down Ohio State’s offense, which is no easy task. They may choose to neutralize Smith, as Texas did, or focus on other aspects of Ohio State’s offense to keep it off-balance.

Defensively, Notre Dame needs to figure out which part of Ohio State’s offense to shut down. Texas’ strategy of containing Smith did not stop the Buckeyes’ other playmakers, so the Irish will need to be strategic in their defensive approach.

What to Expect in the National Championship

Ohio State’s talent has overwhelmed its playoff opponents so far, and if Jeremiah Smith is more involved, the Buckeyes could roll to a dominant victory. However, Notre Dame has a clear offensive identity, and if Leonard is efficient and leads scoring drives early, the Irish could keep it close.

While Notre Dame might not have enough firepower to win, especially if Ohio State’s passing game gets going early, it could still be a competitive game. Ultimately, Ohio State’s depth and explosiveness should secure a 31-24 victory. Fans can watch the game on ESPN, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM