The inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff culminates in a clash between two storied programs, Ohio State and Notre Dame, with the Buckeyes seeking their first national title since 2013 and the Fighting Irish aiming to break a 38-year championship drought.
Nearly five months after getting underway, college football ’s longest season has two of its all-time winningest programs left standing, with Ohio State and Notre Dame meeting Monday night in the National Championship Game – the inaugural in the new 12-team playoff era – at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
The Irish play more man-to-man defence than any other team in the nation, which plays right into Ohio State quarterback Will Howard’s hands. With true freshman standout Jeremiah Smith at his disposal, Howard has the best QBR in the nation against man-to-man, throwing nine touchdowns and zero interceptions.
The Buckeyes’ last national title came 10 years ago under Urban Meyer, when Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 246 yards and four touchdowns in a 42-20 win over Oregon. This time around, under Ryan Day, and with Howard, Smith and Egbuka, Ohio State won’t need such a run-heavy scheme – but it certainly won’t hurt.
That opportune defence has been at its best in the playoffs, with game-altering plays in each of the first three rounds: - Tied 24-24 with Penn State in the final minute of regulation in the Orange Bowl, Christian Gray picked off Drew Allar’s ambitious, cross-body throw to tee up Mitch Jeter’s 41-yard, game-winning field goal.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP OHIO STATE NOTRE DAME PLAYOFF
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