SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Quarterback Riley Leonard and the Notre Dame offense have taken on some of the most formidable defenses as they fight for a spot in the College Football Playoff title game. The Fighting Irish have navigated through tough matches against teams like Penn State (ranked 7th in total defense), Georgia (30th), and Indiana (2nd). Now, they face their next challenge: the nation’s top-ranked defense, which stands between them and their first return to the pinnacle of college football since 1988.
The showdown between Notre Dame (14-1) and Ohio State (13-2) is set for Monday night in Atlanta, marking the inaugural national championship game in this new 12-team playoff format. Ohio State boasts a dominant defense, ranked first overall and third against the rush. The Buckeyes have decisively outscored their playoff contenders—Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas—by a score of 111-52, while limiting their opponents to an average of just 62.3 rushing yards per game (an impressive 1.9 yards per carry).
The Buckeyes’ defensive prowess was on full display in their semifinal victory against Texas, particularly highlighted by Jack Sawyer’s 83-yard scoop-and-score that turned the tide in the game’s final minutes. The Fighting Irish will need to confront this formidable defense, which opened as a 9.5-point favorite, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.
Riley Leonard expressed his enthusiasm about being labeled an underdog, stating, “I love the underdog status. There’s nothing that motivates me more than to see certain things said or certain spreads out there.” Leonard is preparing for a tough battle, anticipating that Ohio State will present a challenge similar to the one posed by Penn State, known for its toughness and relentless pressure on the quarterback.
In their previous meeting with Penn State, Notre Dame managed to gain 116 rushing yards, with Leonard contributing 35 of those. Their matchup against Georgia saw them pass for only 90 yards, but Leonard showcased his rushing ability with 80 yards as the Fighting Irish achieved 154 yards on the ground.
During the regular season, Notre Dame averaged 421.3 yards of total offense, but that average dipped to 340.7 yards against three exceptionally strong defenses in the playoffs. Nevertheless, Leonard remains optimistic, noting that the experience against top-tier defenses has made the team resilient and ready to compete.
“After beating Penn State and Georgia, we understand that we can go toe to toe with anyone,” Leonard commented. Receiver Jaden Greathouse echoed this sentiment, highlighting the team’s aggressive mindset throughout the season and postseason, which has contributed to their success.
Running back Aneyas Williams, who has risen to prominence within the playoffs, expressed his eagerness to take on Ohio State’s stellar defense. “I love going against the best competition. I want to play at my best and be at my best against the best,” Williams stated. He added that being underestimated since their Northern Illinois game has further galvanized the team’s determination.
As excitement builds for this monumental matchup, both teams prepare to stake their claim in what promises to be an exhilarating national championship game.
