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ATLANTA — Notre Dame came out swinging in Monday night’s College Football Playoff National Championship game, taking an early seven-point lead against Ohio State. But the Buckeyes quickly made sure it didn’t matter.
The Fighting Irish leaned heavily on quarterback Riley Leonard, turning him into a dual-threat runner with nine carries for 34 yards in the first quarter. This strategy allowed Notre Dame to control the clock and march methodically down the field, delivering a strong opening statement that they weren’t going down without a fight.
However, Ohio State had a response. The Buckeyes followed Notre Dame’s opening drive with a six-minute touchdown possession of their own. Their defense then adjusted, forcing the Irish into a backward-moving second drive that ended in a three-and-out. Ohio State capitalized with another six-minute touchdown drive, flipping the momentum entirely.
That pattern defined the first half: an opponent throwing their best punch, only for Ohio State to absorb it and counter with devastating efficiency.
For Notre Dame, the decision to prioritize time of possession in the first half kept the game within reach heading into the third quarter. But the Buckeyes' dominance loomed large, with the inevitability of their postseason performance once again on display.
Throughout the playoffs, Ohio State has proven to be an unstoppable force, forcing opponents to play flawless football just to stay competitive. Even Texas, which lasted longer than most, still suffered a 14-point defeat.
Notre Dame now faces a similar challenge, already staring down a significant deficit. And with the Buckeyes set to receive the ball to start the second half, the odds are stacked even higher.
Head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff deserve credit for their game plan and the early fight Notre Dame showed. But as the game progresses, Ohio State has the opportunity to cap off a rollercoaster season with a championship.
Now, it’s up to the Buckeyes to finish what they’ve started and put the final stamp on a season full of challenges, triumphs, and dominance.
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