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Buckeyes Meet Irish in CFP National Championship

Writer's picture: Ryan JohnsonRyan Johnson
Ryan Day and Marcus Freeman
© Adam Cairns - Imagn Images

As the idiom goes, all good things must come to an end. At 7:30 p.m. EST on Jan. 20, the 2024 college football season will crown its champion and conclude one of the most exciting college football seasons since the “Bush Push." Unlike 2005, two of the nation’s top defenses represent this year’s National Championship. The No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (13-1) and the No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes (13-2) will face off in the National Championship in hopes of being crowned college football’s first official national champion.



The Irish Way

Battered and bruised since training camp, Notre Dame has overcome every setback encountered this season. Whether it was an injury or an untimely loss, the Irish rallied around one another and head coach Marcus Freeman. In his third year, Freeman has the Irish buzzing and atop the college football chatter. The Irish have proven to be a well-coached team in all three phases of the game and their talented underclassmen have been vital to the team’s success this year.


Undoubtedly, the Irish have been led by their defense this season. First-team All-American Xavier Watts, along with senior linebacker Jack Kiser have been the emotional, physical and spiritual leaders of the defense. Their leadership will be called on again as the Irish defense faces their toughest test this season. Riley Leonard and the Notre Dame offense will have to lean heavily on their backfield of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. Ball and clock control will be key to the Irish bringing a national championship to South Bend, Ind.


Notre Dame Key Players

Offensive Line

The Irish offensive line has been a MASH unit all year. There is a rumor of the return of OL Charles Jagusah, who was lost in preseason camp to injury. Whether Jagusah returns or not the OL will have to overcome the odds once again as they match up against the talented Jack Sawyer and Cody Simon.


Notre Dame Defensive Line
© Amber Searls - Imagn Images

Defense

Notre Dame’s defense has been a top-10 defense all year long and they are ranked No. 2 in points allowed and this game will test the defense on the ground and in the air. The defense’s ability to keep the Buckeye’s powerful offense on the sideline will bode well for the Irish. Cornerbacks Christian Gray and Leonard Moore will have their hands full and must play well.



Red Hot Buckeyes

Ohio State has been the hottest team in college football since the playoffs began. After losing to their rival Michigan to end the season, the Buckeyes have dominated their playoff opponents with an overwhelming defense and potent offense. Freshman All-American wide receiver, Jeremiah Smith has been monumental in the Buckeyes’ offensive firepower. Even when Smith is not catching the ball, the attention he is drawing is creating opportunities for others.


Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith
© Adam Cairns - Imagn Images

There have been questions about the Buckeyes’ resolve, especially in regard to head coach Ryan Day and quarterback Will Howard. Aside from the Michigan game, Howard has been stellar for the Buckeyes. His ability to navigate the pocket and give his dynamic WRs the time they need to get open has led to Ohio State having one of the most dangerous passing attacks in college football. Day, along with Chip Kelly, will need to control the pace of this game in order to keep Howard sharp and making solid decisions.


Ohio State Key Players

Running Backs

Both TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins need to have a good start to this game and an even better finish. Henderson and Judkins both have more than 950 yards rushing this year and their ability to control a game will be essential to Ohio State’s success. The Irish have one of the best secondaries in the nation so passing lanes will not be as open as they have been in previous games.



Defense

The Buckeyes defense has also been a top-10 unit all season and is the No. 1 ranked defense in points allowed. They will have their hands full trying to stop the Irish’s three-headed rushing attack. The defense must play aggressive and sound football with even better tackling. Containing Love should be the Buckeyes’ top priority.



Game Preview

There is a 100 percent chance that this game will be a defensive showcase from both teams. Neither defense will be able to keep the opposing offense from finding the end zone a few times. Whatever defense can make the correct adjustments in the second half will give their team the best chance to pull off the victory.


This game will come down to the X’s, O’s and what coaching staff can find whatever slight advantages there will be for both teams. Day and Kelly versus Freeman and Al Golden as both head coaches look to start their legacy with a national championship. In a close and hard-fought game, expect Day and Kelly to squeeze out a victory. Ohio State 24, Notre Dame 20.


Broadcast Info

Time: 7:30 PM EST

Date: Jan. 20

Where: Mercedes Benz Stadium, Atlanta  

TV: ESPN



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