Ohio State Beats Notre Dame, Grabs First National Title in the Last Decade

Summary:

• No. 6 Ohio State (14-2) claimed its ninth national championship with a commanding 31 unanswered points against No. 5 Notre Dame (14-2).
• The Buckeyes proved their dominance in the 2024 College Football Playoff final with a 34-23 win.
• The victory represents the seventh-consecutive one for the Buckeyes over the Fighting Irish.

Almost two months ago, Ryan Day found himself at rock bottom, watching Michigan once again triumph over Ohio State and plant their flag in the heart of Ohio Stadium.

Amid the tears and jeers, Day stood motionless, facing calls for his dismissal on a day that felt like a breaking point for the Buckeyes.

On Monday, the tables turned dramatically. Ohio State became national champions after they secured their crown in what proved to be one of the most dramatic turnarounds in college football history.

34-23 Victory

The Buckeyes overcame the sting of that Michigan defeat, leveraged the opportunity provided by the expanded playoff system, and reinvented themselves in every possible way.

The transformation began with Day himself. Where his coaching was heavily criticized in November, his leadership has since been nothing short of masterful.

The Buckeyes capped their redemption arc with a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame in the championship game. This time, it was Ohio State flags waving proudly and fans cheering with elation rather than despair.

It wasn’t like…we were broken, It wasn’t that way. We had an awful day. I don’t know how else to describe it. We had an awful day, and we just said we could never do that again.

Day took responsibility for the earlier failure but quickly credited his players with winning the championship, calling them the true warriors who earned this moment.

“Ohio-Against-the-World” Mindset

Notre Dame fought back, making the Buckeyes earn every yard. The Irish even opened the game with an 18-play, nearly 10-minute touchdown drive that seemed like a statement.

However, Ohio State responded in kind, showcasing its offensive firepower with drive after drive, led by a star-studded roster that delivered under pressure.

The game also highlighted the culture Day has built within the program.

Players like TreVeyon Henderson, J.T. Tuimoloau and Will Howard emphasized the team’s brotherhood and the “Ohio-against-the-world” mindset that fueled their run.

Even critics who doubted Day just weeks ago now find themselves praising his leadership and resilience. Ohio State’s first national title since 2014 was a triumph of talent, preparation, and unity.

It wasn’t just a victory over Notre Dame but a vindication for Day, who rose from the ashes of November to restore faith in himself and his program.