The new format for the College Football Playoff, a thrilling departure from the norm, saw 12 teams battling it out in a round-by-round elimination to secure a chance at the national title. In a surprising turn of events, two teams, both ranked outside the top four seeds, defied the odds and earned their spots in the national championship game. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish will now face the Ohio State Buckeyes for the title, setting the stage for an unpredictable showdown.
The No. 7 seeded Fighting Irish are set to compete for their 12th national title and their first since 1988 after defeating the Penn State Nittany Lions 27-24. Throughout their Playoff journey to the championship game, quarterback Riley Leonard was a standout leader. Despite facing a late hit in the second quarter against Penn State and needing to clear concussion protocol, Leonard demonstrated remarkable resilience by returning to the game. Leonard guided the offense on four scoring drives, finishing with 223 passing yards, which helped secure a spot in the national title game.
The Buckeyes ended the Texas Longhorns‘ hopes of reaching the championship game by defeating them 28-14 in front of a sea of burnt orange at the Cotton Bowl. Quarterback Will Howard had an exceptional performance, completing 72.7 percent of his passes and throwing for one touchdown. However, it was defensive end Jack Sawyer, a former roommate of Quinn Ewers during his time at Ohio State, who made a significant impact for the Buckeyes. Sawyer ousted the ball from the Longhorns’ quarterback and returned the fumble for an impressive 83-yard touchdown, punching the Buckeyes’ ticket to the title game
The stage is set for an exciting CFP national championship game as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish take on the Ohio State Buckeyes. Here’s how the bracket shaped up.
Ohio State vs. Notre Dame:Early predictions, odds, how to watch title game
Tuesday, Dec. 31
Wednesday, Jan. 1
Thursday, Jan. 2
Friday, Dec. 20
Saturday, Dec. 21
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