It’s going to take a long time to clean up the confetti on the floor of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but that’s not the concern of the Ohio State football program that just took home its ninth national championship after its 34-23 CFP National Championship Game win over Notre Dame on Monday night.
There were plenty of stars on the night wearing Scarlet and Gray, but only two can be named the Offensive and Defensive MVPs of the Game. On offense, quarterback Will Howard took home the award again after being named the Offensive MVP of the Cotton Bowl. Howard finished the game completing 17-of-21 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for a season-high 57 yards on a whopping 16 carries.
At one point, Howard completed 13-straight completions to set a College Football Playoff game record. The fact that he did it against one of the best defenses in the country and then sealed the game with a 56-yard completion to Jeremiah Smith on third and 11.
2025 National Championship Offensive Player of the Game, Will Howard#CFBPlayoff • #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/OfKT3SLUhi
— College Football Playoff (@CFBPlayoff) January 21, 2025
On defense, linebacker Cody Simon was honored. His play this season has continued to improve to where he’s become the leader of the defense as the middle linebacker. He registered eight tackles, including one tackle for loss as the quarterback of the defense.
Defense wins championships ✅#CFBPlayoff • #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/sxcbrrJr2W
— College Football Playoff (@CFBPlayoff) January 21, 2025
Congrats to both, and congrats to Ohio State for getting up off the mat and forging through the fire together as brothers to take home a national championship.
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