Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins scored three touchdowns for the Buckeyes in the national championship. ( Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Ohio State had to sweat a little bit on Monday night.
The Buckeyes became the first two-loss national champion in 18 years with a 34-23 win over Notre Dame. Ohio State was far better than the Fighting Irish for the first 40 minutes of the game, but needed to stave off a late push from Notre Dame to get the victory.
Notre Dame scored 16 straight points after Ohio State took a 31-7 lead with 12:46 to go in the third quarter. The Irish trimmed the lead to eight with 4:15 to go when Riley Leonard hit Jaden Greathouse for a 30-yard TD before a two-point conversion. But Ohio State iced the game on a third down before the two-minute warning when Will Howard hit freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith for long completion.
Full-circle moment: OSU plants flag after winning natty
Kirk Herbstreit breaks down on TV after OSU win
Kirk Herbstreit gets emotional on the postgame show.
“When I call these games I’m incredibly objective. I love all of these Ohio State teams, but this team because of what they went through to get to this point, you’re just happy.” pic.twitter.com/BylD7WBQ3N
The Buckeyes win the first-ever 12-team playoff, beating Notre Dame 34-23 to claim the title!
It’s Ohio State’s first national title since the 2014 season.
Ohio State adds a FG
Jayden Fielding hits a 33-yard field goal to make it a two-possession game.
With 26 seconds left, it’s all a formality now.
The Buckeyes are on the way to a CFP championship!
Ohio State 34, Notre Dame 23
Another angle of the Jeremiah Smith catch
Ohio State converts on a BIG pass play!
The Buckeyes roll the dice on 3rd down with a deep ball to Jeremiah Smith and it pays off for a huge 55-yard gain!
That will just about clinch it with a fresh set of downs at the 2-minute timeout.
Ohio State still in control
Even amid the chaos, the Buckeyes are basically one or two first downs away from securing the title.
Big 3rd and 11 coming up with 2:45 to go.
Leonard to Greathouse is the key
This Notre Dame comeback bid is all the back of the passing game coming to life with QB Riley Leonard finding his go-to target in Jaden Greathouse.
Greathouse has 5 catches for 11 yards and 2 TDs so far.
Touchdown Notre Dame!
Riley Leonard to … who else? … Jaden Greathouse for a 30-yard pinpoint TD pass!
And the 2-point try is GOOD to make it a one-score game with 4:15 to play.
Ohio State 31, Notre Dame 23
Notre Dame’s passing game coming alive
Suddenly Riley Leonard is slinging it out there as the Irish have quickly crosses midfield again.
Can they convert it into points this time?
Ohio State punts it
For the first time today, Ohio State is punting it away. Obviously a crucial stop by the Notre Dame defense there. ND ball with 6:25 to play for the national title.
Did ND make the right decision to kick?
Many on social media are being critical of Notre Dame’s decision to even try a short field goal when it was down 16 in the 4th quarter.
It was 4th and goal from the 9. Would you have
Notre Dame FG NO GOOD!
Mitch Jeter’s 27-yard attempt hits the upright, and an exciting drive ends in nothing for Notre Dame!
ND moves chains on 4th down!
Riley Leonard delivers another big pass to Jaden Greathouse to convert on 4th-and-5.
Notre Dame doing just enough to keep this game interesting.
The Ohio State Buckeyes are the 2021 College Football National Champions after holding off the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a thrilling championship game. The final score was 34-23 in favor of Ohio State.
The game was a back-and-forth battle with both teams trading blows throughout all four quarters. Ohio State’s offense was led by quarterback Justin Fields, who threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Trey Sermon also had a standout performance, rushing for over 150 yards and a touchdown.
Notre Dame put up a valiant effort, with quarterback Ian Book throwing for over 250 yards and two touchdowns. However, Ohio State’s defense proved to be too much for the Fighting Irish, forcing key turnovers and limiting their scoring opportunities.
In the end, Ohio State’s balanced attack and strong defensive play were enough to secure the victory and claim their first national championship since 2014. Congratulations to the Buckeyes on an impressive season and a well-deserved title win.
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College football, national championship, Ohio State, Notre Dame, championship score, highlights, college football highlights, Ohio State vs Notre Dame, 34-23, college football national championship, Ohio State victory, Notre Dame defeat, championship game, college football news, sports highlights
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