The excitement is palpable as college football fans gear up for the first-ever national championship of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. On Monday evening, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, both vying for the ultimate prize in college football glory.
Road to the Championship: How They Got Here
The journey to this championship game has been anything but easy for both teams. Ohio State, with a storied history in college football, faced significant challenges throughout the season. They suffered a narrow defeat against Oregon, losing 32-31 on the road, and then fell to their arch-rival Michigan in a heart-wrenching 13-10 loss at home. However, the Buckeyes showed resilience, bouncing back in the playoffs. They triumphed over Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas, culminating in a decisive 41-21 victory against Oregon in the Rose Bowl semifinal, avenging their earlier loss.
On the other hand, Notre Dame’s path was marked by a shocking setback early in the season. The Irish lost to Northern Illinois in Week 2, a defeat that left many questioning their potential. Yet, they rallied magnificently, going undefeated for the rest of the season, defeating Indiana, Georgia, and Penn State in the playoffs to secure their spot in the championship game.
Coaching for Glory
As the two teams prepare to clash, all eyes will be on the sidelines. Notre Dame’s head coach, Marcus Freeman, is on a mission to lead the Fighting Irish to their first national championship since 1988. This will be Notre Dame’s first appearance in a national title game since the 2012-13 season, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Meanwhile, Ohio State’s last national title came during the 2014-15 season, marking the inaugural year of the four-team playoff. They also faced Alabama in the national title game in 2020, suffering a tough 52-24 defeat.
Game Day Details: When and Where to Watch
Mark your calendars! The national championship game is set for Monday, January 20, 2024, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Fans can catch all the action live on ESPN and ESPN2. This date marks the latest national title game in college football history, a result of the expanded playoff format that has added excitement and drama to the postseason.
Championship Venue: A Look at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
The championship will take place at the iconic Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. This state-of-the-art venue is not only home to the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC but also a hub for major sporting events. The stadium hosts the SEC Championship game annually and has welcomed a variety of high-profile matchups, including the recent Texas-Arizona State Peach Bowl semifinal.
Fans attending the game can expect an electric atmosphere, as Mercedes-Benz Stadium is renowned for its cutting-edge design and fan-friendly amenities. Beyond football, the venue is set to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Super Bowl, solidifying its status as a premier event location.
Historical Context: Previous Championship Locations
As we look forward to this year’s championship, it’s interesting to reflect on past title games and their locations. The 2024-25 season will see the title game played in Atlanta, but in 2026, it will shift to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Here’s a brief look back at the championship locations in the playoff era:
|
Season |
Matchup |
Location |
Results |
|
2014-15 |
No. 2 Oregon vs. No. 4 Ohio State |
AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas) |
Ohio State 42, Oregon 20 |
|
2015-16 |
No. 1 Clemson vs. No. 2 Alabama |
University of Phoenix Stadium (Glendale, Ariz.) |
Alabama 45, Clemson 40 |
|
2016-17 |
No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 2 Clemson |
Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, Fla.) |
Clemson 35, Alabama 31 |
|
2017-18 |
No. 3 Georgia vs. No. 4 Alabama |
Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, Ga.) |
Alabama 26, Georgia 23 |
|
2018-19 |
No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 2 Clemson |
Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara, Calif.) |
Clemson 44, Alabama 16 |
|
2019-20 |
No. 1 LSU vs. No. 2 Clemson |
Mercedes-Benz Superdome (New Orleans, La.) |
LSU 42, Clemson 25 |
|
2020-21 |
No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 3 Ohio State |
Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, Fla.) |
Alabama 52, Ohio State 24 |
|
2021-22 |
No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 3 Georgia |
Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, Ind.) |
Georgia 33, Alabama 18 |
|
2022-23 |
No. 1 Georgia vs. No. 3 TCU |
SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, Calif.) |
Georgia 65, TCU 7 |
|
2023-24 |
No. 1 Michigan vs. No. 2 Washington |
NRG Stadium (Houston) |
Michigan 34, Washington 13 |
|
2024-25 |
No. 7 Notre Dame vs. No. 8 Ohio State |
Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, Ga.) |
TBD |
As we eagerly await the kickoff, the anticipation builds. Will Notre Dame reclaim its former glory, or will Ohio State assert its dominance once again? One thing is for sure: this championship game promises to be a thrilling spectacle that will be remembered for years to come. Get ready for an unforgettable night of college football!
