Notre Dame is on the verge of securing its first national championship since 1988. The Fighting Irish have battled through the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff as an at-large team, defeating Indiana (27-17), Georgia (23-10), and Penn State (27-24) to earn their spot in the national championship game. Now, No. 7 Notre Dame (14-1) faces No. 8 Ohio State (13-2) on Monday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The two storied programs have met eight times, with Ohio State winning the last six, including a narrow 17-14 victory in South Bend last September.
Head coach Marcus Freeman is seeking his first win against his alma mater in his third attempt, with Notre Dame once again stepping into the role of the underdog. Here’s why the Fighting Irish are poised to claim the championship:
1. Momentum is on Notre Dame’s Side
Notre Dame’s 13-game winning streak is the longest in a single season in program history. After a setback against Northern Illinois, the team rallied, developing a strong identity centered around a robust running game and stout defense. The Irish’s ability to overcome adversity, showcased in their narrow win over Penn State in the Orange Bowl, has prepared them for the challenges ahead.
2. Dominance in Turnover Battles
Notre Dame leads the nation with 32 takeaways, contributing to a turnover margin of plus-17. Their defensive prowess has consistently put the team in advantageous positions. In contrast, Ohio State ranks 54th in takeaways, suggesting Notre Dame could have the edge in capitalizing on turnovers.
3. A Stalwart Secondary
Notre Dame’s secondary, anchored by All-American safety Xavier Watts and cornerbacks Christian Gray and Leonard Moore, has limited opponents to the second-fewest passing yards per game nationally. This formidable unit will be crucial in containing Ohio State’s explosive offensive threats.
4. Special Teams Impact
Notre Dame’s special teams have peaked at the right time. Kicker Mitch Jeter has rebounded from early-season struggles, and key plays, such as Jayden Harrison’s 98-yard kickoff return against Georgia, have been game-changers. Their ability to deliver in clutch moments could be a deciding factor.
5. Resilient “Next Man Up” Mentality
Despite injuries to key players like defensive lineman Rylie Mills and left tackle Anthonie Knapp, Notre Dame has demonstrated depth and adaptability. Backup quarterback Steve Angeli and freshman running back Aneyas Williams have stepped up when needed, showcasing the team’s resilience.
Notre Dame’s path to victory hinges on their ability to execute across all facets of the game, leveraging their momentum, defensive strength, and special teams efficiency to overcome the challenge posed by Ohio State.
