Two notable upsets occurred in college football this season, involving Notre Dame and Ohio State. In previous years, these losses might have dashed their hopes for a national title. However, with the introduction of the 12-team playoff format, both teams now have a chance to compete for the championship.
Ohio State secured a spot in the playoff by defeating Texas 28-14, setting up a showdown with Notre Dame on Jan. 20. The Buckeyes have been on a winning streak since their loss to Michigan in November, while the Fighting Irish have not lost a game since falling to Northern Illinois in September.
Ohio State is aiming for its sixth AP national title and ninth overall, seeking its first championship since the inception of the College Football Playoff in 2014. On the other hand, Notre Dame is vying for its 12th title and first since 1988.
This matchup between the Big Ten and an independent team marks the second consecutive year that the Southeastern Conference will not be represented in the final, despite dominating the championship in six of the previous eight years.
Ohio State enters the game as a 9 1/2-point favorite, with a historical advantage over Notre Dame in their head-to-head matchups. Both teams have faced setbacks this season, which have tested their resilience and determination to make a comeback.
The game will feature quarterbacks Riley Leonard of Notre Dame and Will Howard of Ohio State, both of whom transferred to their respective schools in pursuit of a national title. Despite the involvement of NIL money, both players emphasized their desire to compete for a championship with their new teams.
Notre Dame and Ohio State boast strong defenses, with the Buckeyes leading the country in yards and points allowed. The Fighting Irish also excel defensively, ranking among the top teams in yards allowed and turnover differential.
The playoff seeding has been a topic of discussion, with the byes awarded to conference champions leading to unexpected outcomes in the quarterfinals. Despite some blowout games in the early rounds, the semifinals provided exciting and closely contested matchups, showcasing the competitive nature of college football.
Ultimately, Ohio State's victory over top seed Oregon and Notre Dame's triumph over Georgia highlighted the unpredictability of the playoffs and the impact of factors like NIL and the transfer portal on team dynamics.
