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| Ohio State pulled off a historic run through the CFP. |
On Sunday, Ohio State's Ryan Day reflected on the invaluable experience his team had gained well before the start of the long 2024 season.
"I think it’s all about maturity," he shared. "Physical maturity to endure the season's grind. Mental maturity to reset and prepare a new game plan each week. And emotional maturity to handle the highs and lows—something we've experienced plenty of this year—and stay focused, learn, and rally together."
That maturity, combined with Ohio State's immense talent, proved crucial in the seven weeks following a tough loss to Michigan to close the regular season. The Buckeyes made history, becoming the first team to defeat five top-five opponents in one season. Their crowning achievement came on Monday night in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in Atlanta, where they triumphed over Notre Dame, 34-23. The victory required not just emotional strength to move past Michigan, but also the physical and mental resilience to conquer four exceptional teams and claim the title.
Key Factors in Ohio State’s Victory
Three key elements contributed to Ohio State's national championship win:
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Chip Kelly Outcoached Al Golden
The game’s SP+ projection had Ohio State leading 27.6 to 21.7, though I was doubtful about Notre Dame’s offensive chances given their recent offensive line injuries. Despite a sluggish stretch, the Irish eventually hit that projection. But it was their defense that faltered. Ohio State scored touchdowns on its first four drives and extended the lead to 31-7 by midway through the third quarter. Though Notre Dame made a few defensive stops, those came when Ohio State was more focused on running out the clock. The Buckeyes converted all six third-down attempts in the first half, finishing 9-for-12 for the game.
Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden faced a critical choice: rely on man-to-man coverage or shift to more zone against Ohio State's formidable offense. Initially, Golden mixed both approaches, but neither worked effectively. Ohio State quarterback Will Howard capitalized on both, completing 9-for-13 for 141 yards and a touchdown against man defense, and 8-for-8 for 90 yards and another touchdown against zone. Despite a near interception, Howard excelled under pressure. A standout play came with a 56-yard bomb to Jeremiah Smith that sealed the victory, exploiting Notre Dame's gamble of playing without a high safety.
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Will Howard Played the Game of His Life
Throughout the season, Howard’s performances often compared unfavorably to that of his predecessor, Kyle McCord, who was let go after a lackluster 2023 season. However, Howard seized his playoff opportunity, throwing for 1,150 yards on 82 completions and eight touchdowns over four games. He completed 75% of his passes and threw only two interceptions, matching his performance against Michigan. He joined elite company as the seventh player to throw for 250 yards and rush for 50 in a BCS or CFP championship game, alongside legends like Michael Vick, Vince Young, and Joe Burrow.
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The Nation's Best Defense Delivered
Notre Dame’s initial touchdown drive looked promising, but it proved to be a fleeting moment of success. The Irish’s 18-play, 10-minute possession ended with a touchdown, but after that, the offense stalled. Notre Dame couldn't maintain the same efficiency and fell into a rhythm of three-and-outs. Ohio State's defense, led by coordinator Jim Knowles, took control. Despite a late surge from the Irish in the game’s final minutes, including two touchdowns and a near-miss field goal, the Buckeyes had already built an insurmountable lead.
Ohio State’s defense held Notre Dame to just 18.8 points per game in the playoffs, with only Oregon managing to score more than 23 points during the regular season.
Impactful Stats and Plays
- Yards: Ohio State 445 (7.2 per play), Notre Dame 308 (5.3)
- Yards through 37 minutes: Ohio State 322 (7.3), Notre Dame 101 (3.6)
- Third Downs: Ohio State 9-for-12 (75%), Notre Dame 5-for-12 (42%)
- Big Plays: Ohio State had 9 gains of 15 or more yards, totaling 253 yards. Notre Dame had 5, accumulating 144 yards in the final 23 minutes.
Can Notre Dame Make Another Run?
Although Notre Dame’s loss was heartbreaking after such a remarkable season, they are poised to remain contenders in future title races. They are set to return a deep roster of playmakers and, despite key injuries, their offensive line and defense will be strengthened. Quarterback CJ Carr and backup Steve Angeli offer promise, while standout players like Jaden Greathouse will continue to shine. They’re likely to remain a top contender in the new 12-team playoff format.
Ohio State's Historic Run
Ohio State, with arguably the best roster in college football, needed more than talent to win—resilience, maturity, and the expanded playoff format allowed them to bounce back after setbacks. Their seven-game playoff run, which included victories over the Nos. 1, 3, 5, and 7 teams in the country, was historic.
Seven weeks ago, Ryan Day's future was in question after the Michigan loss. Yet, with Kelly’s innovative offense, Knowles’ elite defense, and Howard’s playoff redemption, Ohio State surged to a national championship. This title also marked Day’s second, equaling the success of previous Ohio State legends Meyer and Tressel.
Ohio State’s journey exemplified the modern era of college football. They became the first team to both play and defeat six top-five teams in one season—an achievement unmatched in recent history. The Buckeyes' dominance in the 2024 playoffs sets a new bar for sustained excellence in the sport. After making history, they are primed to challenge for another title in the coming years.
Historic Achievements
In addition to winning the national title, Ohio State became the first team to beat five top-five teams in a season:
- Five top-5 wins in a season: 2024 Ohio State (5-1)
- Notable teams with four or more top-5 wins in a season: 1943 Notre Dame, 1967 USC, 2019 LSU
This achievement raises the stakes for college football champions moving forward, especially as the sport consolidates into the Big Ten and SEC. With a blend of immense talent and experience, Ohio State opened the new era of college football with a title—cementing their place in history.
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