In a thrilling Monday night showdown, the Ohio State Buckeyes emerged victorious against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, clinching a 34-23 win. The College Football Playoff National Championship game, held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, kept fans of both teams on the edge of their seats until the final seconds.
“Notre Dame definitely had some great plays. Jeremiah Love didn’t play a good game at all. He had four carries 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.

The Irish established a 7-0 lead early in the game with a demanding 18-play drive that showcased quarterback Riley Leonard’s running ability. By the end of the drive, Leonard had pushed himself so hard that he was visibly vomiting on the sidelines.
“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.
However, as the game progressed, Ohio State’s defense began to adapt to Leonard’s play style, effectively countering his efforts.
“Riley Leonard, he ran a QB draw probably about one hundred times, and you know, that’s gonna get stopped eventually,” Zeitler said.
In the second quarter, Ohio State tied the game at 7-7 with a precise pass from quarterback Will Howard to wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who broke free from the defense to reach the end zone.
“Jeremiah Smith, he’s just, he’s the best receiver in the country,” Zeitler said.
Kicker Jayden Fielding added the extra point to complete the scoring drive. Shortly after, the Buckeyes extended their lead to 14-7 with a powerful 9-yard rushing touchdown by running back Quinshon Judkins, followed by another extra point from Fielding. To close out the quarter, Howard connected with Judkins for another touchdown, bringing the score to 21-7 after yet another reliable extra point by Fielding.

During halftime, fans were treated to a performance by Travis Scott, who debuted his new single, “4×4.” While he kept it short and sweet with just one song, some fans were disappointed by his minimal stage presence. Fans could barely see him on the platform, and the Jumbotron only projected his image for about a minute.
Nonetheless, those who watched Monday’s game were there for the athletes, not the halftime performers.
“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.

In the third quarter, Ohio State extended their lead to 28-7 with a 1-yard rushing touchdown by running back Quinshon Judkins, following his impressive 70-yard run earlier in the drive. Kicker Jayden Fielding added the extra point and later scored a 46-yard field goal, bringing the score to 31-7. Notre Dame responded with a 34-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Riley Leonard to wide receiver Jaden Greathouse, narrowing the score to 31-13. A successful two-point conversion made it 31-15.
In the fourth quarter, Notre Dame narrowed the gap to 31-23 with a 30-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Leonard to Greathouse, followed by a successful two-point conversion.
With 26 seconds remaining, Ohio State’s kicker, Fielding, secured the victory by converting a 33-yard field goal, bringing the final score to 34-23.
“Notre Dame’s defense just really couldn’t hang with Ohio State’s offense.” Zeitler said.