8th seed ohio The Buckeyes defeated the No. 7 seed 34-23 in the College Football Playoff National Championship. notre dame fighting irish Monday night in Atlanta. It was a balanced performance from Ohio State's offense, defense, and special teams, but it was the Buckeyes' offense that was most impressive.
Notre Dame opened the game with an impressive 18-play run that lasted until 9:45 and ended with a 7-0 victory for the Fighting Irish, and Ohio State quickly found itself in a tight spot. It looked like it was. When it was Ohio State's turn to attack, they stepped on the gas and never slowed down. They scored on their first five possessions of the game, and their first four scores were touchdowns. In total, the Buckeyes scored on six of their eight possessions.
“We talked to our defense and offense that we're going to stay aggressive throughout the game,” Ohio State head coach Ryan Day said. “We told the team that before the game started, and we had to make sure we did it.”
Aggression, cohesion and execution were all areas where the offense excelled through four quarters, and no player performed better than quarterback Will Howard.
Howard set multiple championship game records. The quarterback started 13 consecutive games, setting a record for most consecutive complete games, and setting a record for highest passer rating in a CFP Championship Game with a 204.8. Howard was notable throughout the game, completing 17 of 21 for 231 yards and two touchdowns. Howard also dominated Notre Dame on the ground, rushing for 57 yards on 16 carries. Howard accounted for 18 of his 21 offensive first downs from scrimmage, with 10 on throws and eight on rushes. Once considered an underdog, Howard left Atlanta not only a national champion but also an MVP.
“We know our strategy is very sound, very well thought out and very thorough,” Howard said. “We really had an answer for everything they gave us.”
Ohio State's offense seemed to have all the answers. As much as Howard and the passing game hurt Notre Dame's defense from all quadrants of the field, the rushing attack wore down the Fighting Irish. Ohio State rushed for 214 yards, including 100 yards from Quinshon Judkins, and scored two scores. Ohio State's offensive balance schematically led Notre Dame to constant conflict and caused Fighting Irish defensive coordinator Al Golden to have a fit. Notre Dame's defense didn't give up on third down, making multiple breaks and allowing Ohio State to score on 9 of 12 third downs.
There's no such thing as a perfect game in the sport of football, but Ohio State's offense was pretty close overall and almost unstoppable. Day understands the importance that Ohio State's national championship means to the program, not just in its immediate future, but for decades to come. Will Howard and his teammates are now legends at Ohio State.
“They made their mark in Ohio State history, and their story will be told as they become the ninth national champion and actually the third national champion in the last 50 years,” Day said. said. “Ohio State has had some great teams over the last 50 years. Great teams, great players. Only three of them have won national championships, and these guys are one of them.”
