January 21, 2025
In a thrilling conclusion to the college football season, the Ohio State Buckeyes clinched the National Championship by defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 17-14. The decisive moment came with just one second remaining, as running back Chip Trayanum powered into the end zone from one yard out, sealing the victory for Ohio State.
The game, held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, showcased the resilience and determination of both teams. Ohio State's quarterback, Will Howard, orchestrated a crucial 65-yard drive in the final 85 seconds, demonstrating poise under pressure. Howard, who transferred from Kansas State, has been instrumental for the Buckeyes this season, amassing 3,779 passing yards and 33 touchdowns.
Notre Dame's quarterback, Riley Leonard, also delivered a commendable performance. A transfer from Duke, Leonard accumulated 2,606 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and added 866 rushing yards over the season. His dual-threat capability kept the Buckeyes' defense on alert throughout the game.
The matchup was not without its controversies. Former Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz, aged 88, attended the game amidst a growing feud with Ohio State's coach, Ryan Day. Holtz had previously questioned the Buckeyes' toughness, prompting a spirited response from Day, who defended his team's resilience and determination.
This victory marks Ohio State's ninth national title, reinforcing their storied legacy in college football. For Notre Dame, the loss extends their championship drought, with their last title secured in 1988. Both teams have rich histories, with Ohio State now holding an 8-2 advantage in head-to-head matchups against Notre Dame.
The game attracted significant viewership, with an estimated 30 million fans tuning in. The national anthem was performed by Grammy award-winning singer Coco Jones, adding to the event's grandeur.
As the season concludes, both programs look ahead with optimism. Ohio State aims to build upon this success, while Notre Dame seeks to leverage their strong performance this season to end their championship hiatus in the near future.
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