3 min read
Jan 20, 2025
All Eyes on Atlanta: Buckeyes Battle the Irish for College Football Glory

Well, folks, here we are. The big one. The Natty. The moment every Buckeye fan dreams of while shivering through those bleak Ohio winters and screaming at That Team Up North. Tonight, at 7:30 PM ET, Ohio State takes the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta to face off against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the College Football Playoff National Championship. If you’re not jacked up, check your pulse.
Let’s get this straight: Ohio State wasn’t supposed to be here — at least not if you asked the talking heads in August. We heard it all. The Big Ten’s a two-team league. Ryan Day is coaching for his job. Jeremiah Smith can’t carry the team himself. Guess what? We’re here, and everyone else is watching from home. Cry harder, Michigan fans.
The Matchup
Our beloved Buckeyes are squaring off against Notre Dame, and let me tell you, this isn’t just another game — it’s a war. On one side, you’ve got Ohio State, powered by the lethal duo of quarterback Will Howard and freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who has been torching defenses all season. On the other, you’ve got Notre Dame’s quarterback Riley Leonard, a dual-threat who transferred from Duke and has racked up 2,606 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 866 rushing yards this season.
Keys to the Game
- Feed Jeremiah: If you’re Ryan Day, you feed Jeremiah Smith like it’s Thanksgiving dinner. Get him the ball early, often, and whenever you’re feeling the slightest bit stressed.
- Pressure Leonard: Riley Leonard is talented, but if our defensive line eats like they have all season, it’s going to be a long night for him. Jack Sawyer, I’m looking at you.
- Control the Clock: TreVeyon Henderson, time to shine. Let’s pound the rock and keep Notre Dame’s offense off the field.

Let’s not mince words: this game is bigger than just a title. It’s about cementing Ohio State’s place as a premier program. It’s about Ryan Day silencing his critics (again). It’s about reminding every SEC fan that football exists outside the South.
And for the players? This is legacy stuff. Jeremiah Smith is already a lock for the NFL, but a championship ring puts him in the conversation as one of the all-time Buckeye greats. Will Howard? This is your chance to put the doubters to bed. Forever.

Prediction
It’s going to be a dogfight early. Notre Dame will make a play or two that has you throwing things at the TV, but in the end, talent wins. Heart wins. Ohio wins. The Buckeyes pull away in the fourth quarter and bring the Natty back to Columbus where it belongs.
Final Score: Ohio State 34, Notre Dame 24.
So grab your Buckeye gear, load up on whatever beverage is fueling your fandom, and get loud. This is Ohio Against the World, and we’re ready to show everyone why that phrase lives rent-free in every other fanbase’s head.
O-H!