The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as the No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes prepare to face off against the No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the College Football Playoff National Championship. Scheduled for January 20, 2025, this highly anticipated clash will take place at the iconic Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. With both teams boasting impressive records and formidable talents, fans are in for a thrilling spectacle.
How did both teams make the College Football Playoff National Championship?
Ohio State (13-2, 7-2 Big Ten) enters this championship game with a wave of momentum, having recently triumphed over No. 5 Texas (13-3, 7-1 Southeastern Conference) with a decisive 28-14 victory in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. The Buckeyes showcased their offensive prowess, with quarterback Will Howard completing 24 of 33 passes for 289 yards and one touchdown. Despite Texas’s efforts to contain Ohio State’s star wide receiver, Jeremiah Smith, Howard effectively utilized wide receivers TreVeyon Henderson and Carnell Tate to secure the win. Additionally, running back Quinshon Judkins made a significant impact, rushing nine times for 36 yards and scoring two touchdowns.
On the other side, Notre Dame (14-1) rides into the championship on a remarkable 13-game winning streak. The Fighting Irish earned their spot by defeating No. 6 Penn State (13-3, 8-1 Big Ten) 27-24 in a nail-biting Capital One Orange Bowl. The game was highlighted by a crucial interception from defensive back Christian Gray, which set up a game-winning field goal by kicker Mitch Jeter. Quarterback Riley Leonard also played a pivotal role, completing 15 of 23 passes for 223 yards and one touchdown.
Broadcast and Streaming Information
For fans eager to catch all the action, the College Football Playoff National Championship will be broadcast live on ESPN at 7:30 p.m. ET. Notably, this championship game will not air on CBS, so fans should tune in to ESPN for the live coverage. Play-by-play commentator Chris Fowler, analyst Kirk Herbstreit, and sideline reporters Holly Rowe and Molly McGrath will bring the excitement straight to your screens.
If you can’t watch the game on television, fear not! ESPN Radio will provide live audio coverage with Sean McDonough, Greg McElroy, Ian Fitzsimmons, and Katie George on the sidelines. Fans can listen to the radio broadcast on the ESPN app, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, and SiriusXM Channel 80.
For those without cable, there are plenty of live streaming options available, including YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and Fubo. So, whether you’re at home or on the go, you won’t miss a moment of this thrilling championship showdown.
- Date: Jan. 20, 2025
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT
- TV Channel: ESPN
- Live Stream: YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV & Fubo
- Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
What to Expect: A Clash of Titans
As the championship approaches, the stakes couldn’t be higher. DraftKings has installed Ohio State as the -355 favorite to defeat Notre Dame, reflecting the Buckeyes’ explosive offense and solid defensive performance throughout the season. Both teams have proven their mettle, but Ohio State’s offensive firepower may give them the edge in this matchup.
Players like Christian Gray will be crucial for Notre Dame’s defense as they look to contain Ohio State’s dynamic offense. The Fighting Irish will need to execute their game plan flawlessly if they hope to neutralize the Buckeyes’ scoring threats. With a championship title on the line, every play will matter, and both teams will be looking to make history.
Key Players to Watch
In this championship battle, several key players will undoubtedly play pivotal roles. For Ohio State, quarterback Will Howard will be essential in orchestrating the offense and making crucial throws under pressure. His ability to connect with his wide receivers, particularly TreVeyon Henderson and Carnell Tate, will be vital for the Buckeyes’ success.
On the defensive side, Christian Gray’s performance will be critical for Notre Dame as they aim to disrupt Ohio State’s rhythm. His ability to make plays and create turnovers could swing the momentum in favor of the Fighting Irish.
For Notre Dame, quarterback Riley Leonard will need to continue his impressive form, finding ways to exploit Ohio State’s defense while maintaining composure in high-pressure situations. The outcome of this championship could very well hinge on the performances of these standout players.
As we gear up for this monumental clash, college football fans are buzzing with excitement. The College Football Playoff National Championship promises to deliver a thrilling spectacle filled with intense competition, strategic gameplay, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, mark your calendars for January 20, 2025, and prepare for an unforgettable night of college football action!
