It’s been a wild turn of events for Notre Dame this season. After falling to Northern Illinois in Week 2 and, frankly, playing a mediocre regular-season schedule, the Fighting Irish battled back to compete in the College Football Playoff National Championship. Their journey has been nothing short of remarkable, showcasing resilience and determination that has captured the hearts of college football fans everywhere.
Facing the Giants: Notre Dame vs. Ohio State
Now, the cards are stacked against Notre Dame once more as it prepares to square off against Ohio State. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the anticipation is palpable. ESPN’s Paul Finebaum believes Notre Dame has plenty to celebrate whether it wins or loses on Jan. 20.
“Notre Dame is the only team that can’t skip the first round of the CFP because of the setup. I’ve always argued they needed to be in a league. But I think that is the story of the year in college football, really is what Marcus Freeman has done,” Finebaum said. “The SEC fall from grace is rivaling that, by the way, but that’s OK.”
The Underdog Story
“I love the Notre Dame story because they’re not playing for the national championship with Ole Miss‘ running back and Alabama‘s defensive back. I mean, they’ve developed players. They’ve gone out and brought in players from Duke and other schools, just like Indiana did, but ultimately they found a way and they beat some good programs along the way.” This narrative of development and perseverance resonates deeply with fans, reminding everyone that success often comes from hard work and strategic planning.
Notre Dame’s path to the National Championship has been paved with impressive victories. The Fighting Irish won four ranked matchups during the regular season, but only one of those teams — Army — finished the season ranked in the AP Top 25. However, the postseason success of Notre Dame cannot be denied. They defeated Indiana, Georgia, and Penn State en route to their National Championship appearance, showcasing their ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. Moreover, they won each of the first two games mentioned by double digits, proving that they are a force to be reckoned with.
Transfer Talk: A Tale of Two Teams
While Ohio State and Notre Dame brought in a similar number of transfers this offseason, the impact of those transfers has been markedly different. Despite Finebaum’s claims, the contributions from the Fighting Irish’s transfers have been less significant this season than those from the Buckeyes. Most notably, transfers such as quarterback Will Howard, running back Quinshon Judkins, and safety Caleb Downs have been pivotal to Ohio State’s efforts this season. In comparison, QB Riley Leonard stands out as Notre Dame’s most significant addition, but the overall impact has not matched that of their opponents.
The Odds Are Against Them
Unfortunately for ND, oddsmakers don’t care about feel-good stories. Ohio State opened as a 9.5-point favorite over Notre Dame, a testament to the challenges that lie ahead. But does that really matter? The Fighting Irish will have a chance to prove their doubters wrong on Jan. 20, as they square off against OSU at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will air live on ESPN, and fans are eager to see if Notre Dame can rise to the occasion once again.
Looking Ahead
As the countdown to the championship game continues, the excitement is building. Will Notre Dame’s underdog story take another twist, or will Ohio State’s powerhouse roster prevail? The college football world is watching closely, and the outcome of this matchup could have lasting implications for both programs.
In the end, college football is about more than just statistics and rankings; it’s about passion, heart, and the stories that unfold on the field. Notre Dame has shown that they are more than capable of competing at the highest level, and regardless of the outcome, their journey this season has been a testament to the spirit of the game. Fans will be cheering, and the atmosphere will be electric as these two storied programs clash in what promises to be an unforgettable showdown.
