As the anticipation builds for the upcoming College Football Playoff National Championship Game, the focus is squarely on the Ohio State Buckeyes as they prepare to face off against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. With the weight of a season’s worth of expectations resting on their shoulders, the Buckeyes are not just playing for a title; they are also aiming to silence any lingering doubts from their past encounters, particularly the loss to their arch-rival, the Michigan Wolverines.
Shifting the Narrative with a Championship
ESPN’s Pete Thamel has a strong opinion on the matter. He believes that winning a national championship would be a game-changer for Ohio State, effectively erasing any demons associated with their November defeat to Michigan. “Winning championships changes everything. It just changes everything,” Thamel stated emphatically on the ESPN College GameDay Podcast. “I don’t think that Michigan loss is going to loom over a championship. The only people who think that are the people in maize and blue clinging to that.”
Indeed, the narrative surrounding Ohio State could shift dramatically if they secure the national title. Thamel argues that a championship victory would not only elevate the Buckeyes but also diminish the significance of past losses. “Will there be pressure next November when Ohio State plays Michigan? Sure. Absolutely there will be. That will hang over,” he acknowledged, but he remains optimistic that the championship would overshadow previous setbacks.
Pressure Mounts for Ryan Day
However, not everyone shares Thamel’s optimism. Former Michigan star Desmond Howard has a different take on the stakes involved for Ohio State’s head coach, Ryan Day. Howard believes that failing to win the national championship could have catastrophic consequences for Day’s tenure. “Catastrophic. I mean when you look at the reason we’re here, to put it in context, don’t forget a year ago Michigan won the national championship,” Howard remarked.
He pointed out that after last season’s disappointing results, including three consecutive losses to Michigan and missing out on the Big Ten Championship, Day and the athletic director held an emergency meeting. “They had just lost to Michigan three years in a row, and they hadn’t even been to the Big Ten Championship. So the AD said, ‘What do we need to do?’” Howard recounted. This led to a significant investment in the transfer portal, as Ohio State aimed to bolster their roster with high-end talent.
Loaded Roster, High Expectations
Ohio State’s offseason strategy was clear: they wanted to stack the deck. “They did that for three reasons – No. 1, to beat Michigan again, which obviously they didn’t do. No. 2 to win the Big Ten Championship game – they didn’t play in the Big Ten Championship game. But, No. 3, to get to the national championship,” Howard explained. Now, with their shot at the national title on the line, the Buckeyes must prove that their offseason efforts were worth it.
As the game approaches, the pressure is palpable. Ohio State fans are eager to see if their team can deliver on the promises made during the offseason. Will they rise to the occasion, or will the weight of expectations prove too heavy? The outcome of this championship game will not only decide the national title but also set the tone for the future of the program.
Time to Shine
Time will tell if Ohio State can get the job done on Monday night. If they emerge victorious, Thamel believes the Buckeyes will be able to celebrate without any strings attached, even if the fans in Ann Arbor try to throw some barbs their way. “I really do think a championship is a paradigm changer,” Thamel asserted, emphasizing the transformative power of winning.
The stakes are high, and the atmosphere is electric. Ohio State has the opportunity to not only claim the national title but also to redefine their narrative. A victory would mean everything for the players, the coaching staff, and the passionate fanbase that has stood by them through thick and thin.
The Road Ahead
As the Buckeyes gear up for this monumental clash, one thing is clear: the road to the championship has been paved with challenges, and now it’s time to see if they can overcome them. With a talented roster and a coaching staff eager to prove themselves, Ohio State is ready to make their mark.
In the world of college football, moments like these are what legends are made of. The Buckeyes have a chance to write a new chapter in their storied history. Will they seize the moment and emerge as champions? The answer lies just around the corner as the countdown to kickoff begins.
