Ohio State Holds Off Notre Dame Comeback Bid to Win CFP Championship
A Nail-Biting Finish
Instead of crying over another collapse, Ohio State can celebrate another national title after holding off a Notre Dame comeback bid Monday night to walk away with a nailbiter of a 34-23 victory over the Fighting Irish.
The Game-Changing Play
Will Howard hit big-play receiver Jeremiah Smith for 56 yards on a late third-and-11 to lock down a game that had been a laugher, then turned into something else.
A Comeback for the Ages
Trailing 31-7, Notre Dame scored two touchdowns and two 2-point conversions to make it a one-score game late in the fourth quarter.
The Final Play
The Irish stopped Ohio State on the first two plays of the next drive and used their timeouts. But on third down, Howard found Smith in single coverage on the right sideline and dropped his best pass of the season into the hands of the second-team All-American.
A Program’s Redemption
Ohio State will bring its sixth “natty” and first since the 2014 season back to the Horseshoe in Columbus.
A Coaching Legacy
“It’s a great story about a bunch of guys who have just overcome some really tough situations, and with the point where there’s a lot of people that counted us out (they) just kept swinging and kept fighting,” Buckeyes coach Ryan Day said.
A Transfer’s Impact
Howard, a transfer-portal success story from Kansas State, threw for 231 yards and two scores, but nothing will beat the pass to Smith with everything on the line.
The Final Score
Ohio State scored touchdowns on its first four possessions, then added a field goal on its fifth.
A Dominant Performance
Ohio State outgained Notre Dame 445 yards to 308. Howard completed his first 13 passes and never really got stopped. Ohio State punted a grand total of once.
Conclusion
Ohio State’s victory marks the first time the Big Ten has taken back-to-back titles since 1942. The Buckeyes’ championship is a testament to their resilience and determination, and it brings an end to any angst about their loss to Michigan in November.
FAQs
* What was the final score of the game?
+ Ohio State won 34-23.
* Who was the MVP of the game?
+ Will Howard, Ohio State’s quarterback, threw for 231 yards and two scores.
* What was the turning point of the game?
+ The game-changing play was Howard’s 56-yard pass to Jeremiah Smith on a late third-and-11.
* How many national titles has Ohio State won?
+ Ohio State has won six national titles.
