How to Watch the College Football Playoff National Championship: Notre Dame vs. Ohio State
The College Football Playoff National Championship is set to be an unforgettable showdown between two of college football’s most storied programs: Notre Dame and Ohio State. This thrilling matchup will take place on Monday, January 20, 2025, with the game kicking off at 7:30 PM ET. The action will be broadcast live on ESPN, giving fans the opportunity to witness the culmination of a historic season.
Game Details:
Date: Monday, January 20, 2025
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
How to Watch: ESPN
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Teams: Ohio State (13-2) vs. Notre Dame (14-1)
A Deep Dive into the Bowl History of Both Teams
The expanded College Football Playoff has injected new life into the postseason, reshaping the history of bowl games and national championships. For Ohio State, this thrilling playoff run has lifted their bowl game record to 30-29, as the Buckeyes aim for a fourth consecutive postseason victory. Their journey has been a testament to resilience, from the 2003 Fiesta Bowl victory over Miami to their current national championship aspirations.
Notre Dame, on the other hand, enters this game with an impressive six-game bowl-winning streak, dating back to a string of successful postseason appearances beginning with their 1973 Sugar Bowl victory over Alabama. The Irish are on a roll, but they haven’t made it to the pinnacle of college football since their last national title in 1988, when they triumphed in the Fiesta Bowl over West Virginia.
Notre Dame’s Championship History
Notre Dame’s journey to this national championship marks another milestone in their storied history. Although they have been a fixture in college football for decades, the Irish have only made one appearance in the BCS/College Football Playoff national championship game. In 2012, they were overpowered by Alabama, falling 42-14 in a humbling defeat. Despite their more recent struggles on the national stage, Notre Dame boasts a total of 13 national championships, with their most recent victory in 1988. Their quest for a 14th title adds another layer of excitement to this high-stakes matchup.
Ohio State’s National Championship Legacy
Ohio State’s history in the BCS and College Football Playoff era is filled with near-misses and epic triumphs. This will be the sixth national championship appearance for the Buckeyes since the BCS era began in 1998. Their most recent title came in 2015 when they defeated Oregon in the inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship. Ohio State has claimed eight national championships in total, with victories spread across several decades, from 1942 to 2014. Their pursuit of a ninth championship continues in this monumental game.
Weather and Game Day Conditions
Although the game is set to take place indoors at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, fans should be prepared for cold weather outside, with temperatures hovering around 25 degrees Fahrenheit by game time. This could affect the crowd’s arrival and security checks, as fans may experience delays getting into the stadium. It’s a reminder that even the best-laid plans can be impacted by unexpected weather conditions, a situation fans encountered during the 2018 National Championship game between Alabama and Georgia, where weather delays resulted in many spectators arriving late.
Head-to-Head: A Historic Rivalry
The matchup between Ohio State and Notre Dame is only the ninth meeting between these two powerhouse teams. The Buckeyes have dominated the series with a 6-2 record, having won the last six matchups. Their most recent victory came in a nail-biting 17-14 win in South Bend last season. The Irish’s last victory over Ohio State came back in 1936 when they won 7-2. This game promises to be another thrilling chapter in this historic rivalry, with both teams fighting for ultimate glory.
Conclusion
As the College Football Playoff National Championship draws near, the excitement surrounding the Notre Dame vs. Ohio State game is palpable. The stakes couldn’t be higher as both teams strive to add another prestigious title to their storied histories. Whether you’re watching from home or joining the action in Atlanta, this matchup will undoubtedly be one for the ages, filled with unforgettable moments and intense competition. Be sure to tune in on January 20, 2025, at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN to catch all the action!
