Two notable upsets in college football have emerged this season, with Notre Dame and Ohio State being at the forefront of these surprising results. In previous years, such defeats may have derailed their chances for a national championship, but the introduction of a 12-team playoff format this year means both teams are still in contention.
The Buckeyes took down Texas 28-14 on Friday, which set the stage for a meeting with Notre Dame on January 20. Ohio State has not faced defeat since a narrow loss to Michigan back in November, while Notre Dame has been on a winning streak after falling to Northern Illinois in September.
The Buckeyes aim for their sixth AP national title and ninth overall victory, marking their first championship challenge since the College Football Playoff began in 2014. Conversely, Notre Dame seeks its 12th championship title, hoping for its first win since 1988.
In this encounter between a Big Ten institution and an independent team, it’s noteworthy that for the second consecutive year, the Southeastern Conference will not be represented in the finals, a stark contrast to their dominance where they won six out of the last eight titles.
BetMGM has set Ohio State as the 9 1/2-point favorite for this matchup. The Buckeyes have triumphed over the Fighting Irish in both 2022 and 2023, leading the series with a 6-2 advantage.
These losses during the season played a pivotal role in shaping the paths of both teams as they embarked on comebacks that may not have been possible in prior formats. “The true test is when you find yourself at your lowest point,” remarked Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman. He noted that the loss to Northern Illinois forced a choice between being selfless or seeking personal glory.
Ohio State coach Ryan Day reflected on the importance of overcoming adversity, likening the lessons learned through challenges to the experiences of life itself. “You have to go through difficulties; it’s how you handle them that defines you, and these players are learning valuable life lessons right now,” he stated.
The matchup features Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard and Ohio State’s Will Howard, both quarterbacks who have transitioned to their current teams via the transfer portal after last season. While NIL opportunities were a factor, both players emphasized that the primary motive for their transfers was to compete for a championship.
Leonard, who switched from Duke to Notre Dame, declared, “I came here with the clear intention of winning a national title, seeking the best opportunity to achieve that.” Similarly, Howard indicated that he sought a talented environment conducive to championship prospects when leaving Kansas State.
On the field, Ohio State’s dominant defense showcased its strength by converting an opponent’s first-and-goal situation from the one-yard line into a touchdown during their recent game, epitomizing their ability to stifle rival offenses while leading the nation in fewest yards and points allowed.
Notre Dame has similarly performed well defensively, ranking ninth in fewest yards allowed and third in turnover differential, despite a challenging win against Penn State. Riley Leonard has been adept at leading the Irish offense, although they have faced challenges in keeping consistent momentum throughout their playoff games. A significant development to watch is the condition of left tackle Anthonie Knapp, who exited early during Thursday’s game.
In terms of playoff seeding, it’s important to acknowledge that while earlier rounds brought a series of lopsided results, the semifinals provided thrilling, competitive matchups. However, it’s concerning when lower seeds dominate throughout the championship rounds, prompting questions about the fairness of the seeding process.
A significant factor in this year’s playoffs appears to be the byes awarded to conference champions, all of whom encountered defeat in the quarterfinals, leading to a skewed ranking system and chaotic bracket organization. Ohio State’s decisive victory over top seed Oregon, alongside Notre Dame’s triumph against second-seeded Georgia (who was without its starting quarterback), raises questions about the true hierarchy of the teams, especially in an era where NIL deals and the transfer portal heavily influence talent movement across college football.
