As the clock wound down in the heart of SEC country, a pass that seemed to suspend in time marked the climax of a college football epic. Ohio State’s quarterback Will Howard, in a pivotal moment on third-and-11, launched a teardrop pass to receiver Jeremiah Smith. This perfect throw not only covered 56 yards but effectively sealed a 34-23 victory against Notre Dame, handing Ohio State its first national championship since 2014 and its sixth overall.
The game, held late in the fourth quarter on Monday, will be remembered not just for its outcome but for how it encapsulated the spirit of resilience. Howard’s pass snuffed out Notre Dame’s feverish comeback, cementing the Buckeyes’ dominance in the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff format—a decade after their win in the inaugural four-team playoff.
Coach Ryan Day reflected on the journey: “It’s a great story about a bunch of guys who have just overcome some really tough situations, and at the point where there’s a lot of people that counted us out, they just kept swinging and kept fighting.”
Unexpected Turns and Tactical Triumphs
In a setting split between vibrant red and green—echoing a massive festive gathering—Ohio State initially appeared unassailable, leading 31-7. However, Notre Dame wasn’t ready to fold. They rallied back into contention, narrowing the gap to a single score late in the game. It was then that Howard’s strategic brilliance shone through, delivering the ball to Smith, who had been relatively quiet following a tough semi-final against Texas.
The impact of Howard’s throw was profound, not just on the scoreboard but also in the betting circles, helping Ohio State cover the 8 1/2-point spread confidently set by BetMGM Sportsbook. Notre Dame’s coach Marcus Freeman acknowledged the critical moment, saying, “It was do or die, it was that type of down… He’s a heck of a player. He’s difficult to cover.”
The Transfer Portal’s Payoff
Will Howard and Quinshon Judkins, both notable transfers, were pivotal in Ohio State’s strategy. Howard, joining from Kansas State, threw for 231 yards and two touchdowns, but his game-defining pass to Smith was the highlight. Judkins, from Mississippi, showcased the value of strategic recruitment from the transfer portal, bursting through Notre Dame’s defense with a 70-yard run that further tipped the game in the Buckeyes’ favor.
As the game concluded, Ohio State’s ability to leverage its deep roster and strategic transfers underscored a season where they didn’t just compete—they dominated, outscoring opponents by an average of 36-21 through the playoffs.
Reflection and Looking Ahead
The victory not only quells the unrest that bubbled up following a tough loss to Michigan but also solidifies Ryan Day’s standing among Ohio State’s legendary coaches. The Buckeyes’ performance puts to rest any lingering doubts about their prowess and Day’s leadership, as he now joins the ranks of Urban Meyer and Woody Hayes in leading Ohio State to national glory.
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