ATLANTA — The Ohio State Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish arrived in Atlanta via charter flights on Friday, as they gear up for the College Football Playoff national championship game set for Monday night. While Ohio State is favored to win, Notre Dame might hold a slight edge given their prior experience playing at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium this season.
Earlier this season, Notre Dame faced Georgia Tech and secured a 31-13 victory, bolstering their playoff chances. In that game, quarterback Riley Leonard showcased his skills by scoring two rushing touchdowns. This familiarity with the stadium could benefit the Fighting Irish in their upcoming clash.
When asked about playing in Atlanta, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman expressed optimism. “We hope so,” he stated at the airport. “While we will be in different locker rooms and on the opposite side of the field, we have played here before. We’re accustomed to the environment, and both teams will have practice sessions at the stadium before the game, so come Monday, I believe both teams will feel comfortable.”
Ohio State enters the game as 9.5-point favorites, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. Atlanta, known as the “Capital of College Football,” also boasts the College Football Hall of Fame and frequently hosts major events like the Peach Bowl and the Southeastern Conference championship game. The city is conveniently located close to Athens, home of the University of Georgia, which claimed national championships in 2021 and 2022, further illustrating the region’s significance in college football.
As the debate continues over whether the South is the epicenter of college football, the Buckeyes are poised to challenge this notion, potentially securing a second consecutive national title for the Big Ten. Last year’s championship title went to Michigan, which defeated Washington, marking the Big Ten’s first national championship in football since Ohio State’s victory in 2014.
Both Notre Dame (14-1) and Ohio State (13-2) have made it through a rigorous playoff system to secure their spots in the championship game. Ohio State’s head coach, Ryan Day, expressed confidence in his team’s preparedness following a demanding season.
“We discussed our goals all year,” Day shared after stepping off the plane. “Our energy has steadily increased throughout the weeks, and I can feel the momentum building. It’s crucial to maintain that momentum. We’ve grown stronger as the season progressed.”
“We’ve implemented a strategic plan to arrive at this moment, so we have a few more days to prepare ourselves,” he added.
Freeman highlighted that the playoff experience included numerous significant games. “Participating in a national championship is not an everyday occurrence,” he noted. “We’ve engaged in many critical matchups and are aware of the standards expected of us. The atmosphere on Monday will be different, with bigger lights and greater excitement.”
