Notre Dame is gearing up for its long-awaited return to the national championship game after more than a decade, as they face off against longstanding rival Ohio State on January 20, 2024. The matchup marks the first time Notre Dame has reached this stage since the 2013 BCS National Championship, and excitement is palpable among fans and players alike.
Having endured years of intense competition, Notre Dame has overcome formidable opponents to secure its place in the Championship. After defeating No. 10 Indiana, the Irish pulled off impressive wins against No. 2 Georgia and No. 6 Penn State. Notably, the semifinal against Penn State featured kicker Mitch Jeter's game-winning field goal, sealing their path to Atlanta.
"The entire Notre Dame community takes pride not only in this team’s achievements, but also in what this team stands for: faith, perseverance, selflessness, and a steadfast commitment to Notre Dame. Go Irish!" stated Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., President of the University of Notre Dame, celebrating the team's hard work this season.
Head coach Marcus Freeman has been at the forefront of this resurgence. With aspirations higher than ever, he acknowledged the expectations surrounding the program. "Every season you go wanting to be national champions. Obviously Ohio State has achieved more recently, but those are the expectations, to be at the mountaintop," Freeman commented.
This national championship also carries historical significance for Freeman. If he leads Notre Dame to victory, he would be the first Black or Asian American head coach to win at this level, emphasizing the need for greater representation within college football coaching ranks. "It's inspiring. Coach Free sets an example for people. If we win this game, he's going to be a legend," noted running back Jeremiyah Love, reflecting on the motivating impact of Freeman's leadership.
On the opposing side, Ohio State's roster brims with talent, particularly standout wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Having emerged as one of the most promising stars of college football, Smith is eager to showcase his skills on the grand stage. His performance has already made headlines this season, racking up 1,227 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. "Just to be able to play in the National Championship as a freshman is something I dreamed of as a kid. I'm here now and can't wait to put on a show Monday," Smith expressed, ready for the spotlight.
The game promises to be fiercely competitive. Ohio State's explosive offense is pitted against Notre Dame's tough defensive approach, leaving fans to ponder which team will rise to the occasion. Ohio State's quick-strike ability could become evident, as they've demonstrated throughout the playoffs, dissecting their opponents’ defenses with precision. Conversely, Notre Dame is known for its grind-it-out style, relying on strong, physical play, and compelling turnovers to turn the tide in their favor.
One key factor revolves around the teams' contrasting styles. Ohio State's last performance was marked by quick, explosive plays, leading to their 28-14 semifinal win over Texas. Despite two early touchdowns, Texas managed to stick around due to their defensive prowess, showcasing the potential for both brilliance and struggle during the championship game.
Notre Dame, meanwhile, shines on controlling the clock and adapting to adversities. Aiming for consistency, their tactics revolve around keeping turnovers to a minimum, which has proven effective throughout the season. A significant aspect of their strategy is Delaware-native quarterback Riley Leonard, whose late-game heroics made the difference against Penn State. His capacity to both pass and run opens multiple play options for the Irish, raising expectations for his performance.
Kickoff for the championship matchup is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET at the iconic Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which will feature passionate fanfare as supporters from both sides gather to cheer on their teams. Notre Dame, with its storied tradition and rich history, seeks to reclaim its status at the pinnacle of college football after years of trying unsuccessfully to capture the championship title.
Fans of both teams are excited to witness this encounter between two of college football's historic powerhouses. A Notre Dame victory would not only grant the Irish their first national championship since 1988 but also cement this championship run as part of their illustrious history. The atmosphere is set, and both teams are poised to fight for the glory of becoming national champions.