On Jan. 20, Ohio State and Notre Dame went head to head for the National Championship trophy. After some questionable match-ups and snubbed games, Ohio State takes home the trophy to Columbus.
“Notre Dame definitely had some great plays. Jeremiah love didn’t play a good game at all. He had no carried for three yards, so you know, that’s not the recipe for success, considering he was the best player all season,” senior Louis Zeitler said.
First quarter, the Irish took a 7-0 lead from Leonard and Jeter on the Buckeyes.
“Riley Leonard, he ran a QB draw probably about one hundred times, and you know, that’s gonna get stopped eventually,” Zeitler said.
Second quarter, Ohio State ties the game to make it 7-7 by a complete pass from Howard to Smith and an extra point from Fielding. Then, they get in a 14-7 with a rushing 9-yard touchdown from Judkins and extra point from Fielding. Howard and Judkins score another touchdown in the second to bring the score up to 21-7, with the extra point from Fielding.
“Jeremiah Smith, he’s just, he’s the best receiver in the country,” Zeitler said.
The halftime performance was brought to fans by Travis Scott. He drops his new single “4×4” as a debut. He kept it short and sweet with just that song, but also let fans down with the lack of appearance he made. Fans could barely see him on the stage and even on the Jumbotron for about a minute.
“Ohio played better, Notre Dame defense could have been a little more solid, but otherwise it was a fun game to watch,” senior Jake Voight said.
Judkins rushed for another touchdown in the third, putting Ohio in a 28-7 lead, extra point from Fielding, who also scored a 46 yard field goal to bring the score up to 31-7. Leonard pass was complete to Greathouse for a 34-yard touchdown, score of 31-13, followed by a two-point conversion, 31-15 in the third with the Buckeyes taking the lead. Complete pass from Leonard to Greathouse for a 30-yard touchdown putting the Irish up at 31-21.
“Notre Dame’s defense just really couldn’t hang with Ohio State’s offense.” Zeitler said.
The Irish catch-up with a two point conversion attempt by Faison with a catch from Collins. Fielding ends the game with a 33-yard field goal with a final score of 34-23.
“The defense was the best part of it. When I saw that first touchdown, that was amazing. the whole crowd went insane,” senior Zaul Bustos said.
