A bracket that began with 12 teams is now down to two. The College Football Playoff national championship is officially set. It will be Notre Dame vs. Ohio State at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Jan. 20. This exciting matchup will cap off the inaugural 12-team CFP bracket, with both teams fighting their way through the first round to earn their place in the title game.
Notre Dame’s Thrilling Orange Bowl Victory
In a nail-biting contest, Notre Dame faced off against Penn State in the Orange Bowl on Thursday. The Fighting Irish had a rocky start, struggling to find their rhythm in the first half. However, they came out with fire in the second half. Riley Leonard led a seven-play, 75-yard drive, culminating in a rushing touchdown that tied the game at 10-10. Shortly after, Jeremiyah Love powered through the Nittany Lions’ defensive line for a 2-yard touchdown, putting Notre Dame ahead 17-10.
But Penn State wasn’t ready to back down. Nick Singleton showcased his talent by scoring on back-to-back drives, including a crucial touchdown in the fourth quarter that gave the Nittany Lions a 24-17 lead. He had an impressive three touchdowns on the night, making it a tough battle for the Irish.
Just when it looked like Penn State might take control, Leonard refused to let his team falter. He connected with Jaden Greathouse for a stunning 54-yard touchdown, tying the game at 24-24. The tension was palpable as the clock wound down. With just seven seconds left, Mitch Jeter stepped up and nailed a go-ahead field goal, sealing the 27-24 victory for Notre Dame. This win marks the Irish’s return to the national championship for the first time since their 2013 loss to Alabama.
Ohio State’s Dominant Cotton Bowl Performance
Meanwhile, Ohio State was making waves of its own in the Cotton Bowl against Texas on Friday night. The Buckeyes struck first, with Quinshon Judkins finding the end zone on a nine-yard run, giving Ohio State an early 7-0 lead. However, the Longhorns responded just before halftime when Jaydon Blue caught a touchdown pass from Quinn Ewers, tying the game at 7-7.
But Ohio State quickly regained momentum. Just moments later, Will Howard connected with TreVeyon Henderson on a screen pass that turned into a spectacular 75-yard touchdown, putting the Buckeyes back on top, 14-7, just before the break. The game continued to be a back-and-forth affair as Texas managed to tie it again in the third quarter, with Blue catching another touchdown pass from Ewers, making it 14-14 heading into the fourth.
The final quarter showcased Ohio State’s resilience. After forcing Texas to punt, the Buckeyes executed a 13-play, 88-yard drive, capped off by Judkins’ second touchdown of the night, pushing Ohio State ahead 21-14 with just over seven minutes remaining. The Longhorns fought hard to get back into the game, but their hopes were dashed when Jack Sawyer forced a fumble on a critical fourth down, returning it 83 yards for a scoop-and-score. This play effectively sealed the 28-14 victory for Ohio State, sending them back to the College Football Playoff national championship for the first time since their 2020 loss to Alabama.
A Championship Showdown to Remember
With both teams now set to clash in the national championship, anticipation is building. Notre Dame and Ohio State have shown they can overcome adversity and deliver thrilling performances when it matters most. The Fighting Irish will look to reclaim glory, while the Buckeyes aim to solidify their dominance in college football.
Kickoff is scheduled for Jan. 20 at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, and fans are eagerly counting down the days. Will Notre Dame rise to the occasion and capture their first national title since 1988? Or will Ohio State add another championship to their storied history?
One thing is for sure: this matchup promises to be an unforgettable battle filled with passion, skill, and the relentless spirit of college football. As the teams prepare to take the field, the excitement is palpable. Who are you rooting for? Get ready for a showdown that will be talked about for years to come!
