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Buckeyes Bring the Heat in Atlanta, Crowned National Champs

Alright Buckeye Nation, it happened. Ohio State just showed up and showed out, taking down Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The final score? 34-23. This team made it clear from the jump who was in charge.

Notre Dame started strong with an 18-play, 75-yard drive that chewed up nearly ten minutes of clock. Quarterback Riley Leonard punched it in from one yard out to give the Irish a brief lead. But then, the Buckeyes woke up. Will Howard got things rolling with an eight-yard touchdown pass to Jeremiah Smith, and from there, it was all Scarlet and Gray.

Quinshon Judkins took over the second quarter, first with a nine-yard touchdown run and then by snagging a six-yard pass from Howard just before halftime. By the time the teams hit the locker rooms, it was 21-7, and the momentum was all Buckeyes.

The second half? An absolute clinic. Judkins came out swinging with a 70-yard run on the second play of the third quarter, finishing the drive himself with a one-yard touchdown. That score marked his third of the night and his 50th career touchdown. Not bad for a guy who makes the impossible look routine. Jayden Fielding added a 46-yard field goal, and just like that, it was 31-7 with plenty of game left to play.

Notre Dame wasn’t done yet.

Riley Leonard connected with Jaden Greathouse for a 34-yard touchdown, then hit Jeremiyah Love for a two-point conversion to bring the Irish within 16 late in the third quarter. In the fourth, Leonard and Greathouse struck again with a 30-yard touchdown, followed by a two-point pass from Jordan Faison to Beaux Collins. Suddenly, it was an eight-point game with just over four minutes remaining.

But the Buckeyes’ defense held strong, and their offense controlled the clock and kicked a field goal to secure the win. This victory marks Ohio State’s ninth national title and their first since 2015. It’s also a huge moment for head coach Ryan Day, who finally gets his championship moment after taking over the program in 2019. Oh, and let’s not forget—the Buckeyes have now won seven straight against Notre Dame. The Irish haven’t beaten Ohio State since 1936. Ouch.

For Buckeye fans, this is the stuff dreams are made of. Another championship, another trophy, and another reason to sing “Carmen Ohio” at the top of your lungs. Ryan Day’s squad didn’t just win tonight; they made a statement. The Buckeyes are back on top, and it feels so, so good.