The Road to the Championship Game: How They Got to the Final

As Notre Dame and Ohio State prepare to meet in the College Football Playoff National Championship, we take a look at the road to the NCAA National Championship for both teams, highlighting the key moments and victories that have brought them to this thrilling final showdown.

The Road to the Championship Game: How Each Team Got to the Final Game
You WON’T Believe How These Teams Reached the Final Game

2025 NCAA Division I FBS Football Season | 155th season of college football in the United States
Final Game: Monday, January 20th, 2025

Betting on the Next College Football Playoff National Championship

Notre Dame and Ohio State will meet in the College Football Playoff National Championship.

This game will decide who gets crowned the best team in college football for the 2024-2025 season.

It’s happening Monday, January 20, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Both teams have worked hard to get here.

Notre Dame has never won a title in the CFP era.

Ohio State won their last one in 2014.

Both teams will bring their best to the field. The winner will make history.

This matchup is exciting for fans of both programs and college football as a whole.

Notre Dame is known for its storied history and strong fan base, while Ohio State has built a reputation as one of the most consistent programs in modern football.

The game will highlight two teams that excel in both offense and defense.

Beyond the action on the field, this championship game will have a significant impact on recruiting, team morale, and each school’s legacy.

Winning a national title can solidify a program’s place among the best in college football and give players memories that last a lifetime.

2025 College Football Playoff National Championship: 8 Ohio State Buckeyes (13-2) at 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (14-1)
Monday, January 20th, 2025 at 7:30 PM EST ESPN | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA

ATS Odds: Ohio State -8.5
Money line Odds: Ohio State -370 / Notre Dame +285
Over/Under Odds: 46

Writer’s Pick for the College Football National Championship Final Game

What Does It Take to Reach the National Championship?

Reaching the College Football Playoff National Championship requires more than just talent.

Teams must navigate a challenging regular season, perform under the intense pressure of the playoffs, and rely on their best players to step up in critical moments.

The following questions explore the key factors that make a championship team.

How Important is Regular Season Performance?

Regular season performance matters a lot.

Teams must win most of their games to be in playoff contention.

The College Football Playoff committee looks at wins, strength of schedule, and quality of opponents.

Losing even one game can hurt a team’s chances.

For example, Notre Dame’s only loss came early in the season against Northern Illinois.

After that, they won every game, including matchups against tough teams like USC and Clemson.

Ohio State had two losses, to Oregon and Michigan, but they beat other strong teams to stay in the mix.

How Do Playoff Games Test Teams?

Playoff games are different from the regular season.

Every team is a top contender.

The stakes are higher, and the pressure is intense.

Teams must play their best football to survive.

Notre Dame faced a tough road, beating Penn State in the semifinals and Georgia in the quarterfinals.

Ohio State had to overcome top teams like Texas and Oregon.

These games test every aspect of a team—offense, defense, and coaching.

What Role Do Key Players Play?

Key players often decide big games.

Quarterbacks, running backs, and defensive leaders all need to step up.

They make plays that can change the outcome of a game.

For Notre Dame, quarterback Riley Leonard has been crucial.

He’s a dual threat, passing for over 2,600 yards and rushing for 866.

For Ohio State, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has been unstoppable, with 1,227 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns.

These players’ performances will be critical in the championship.

How Do Coaches Impact a Team’s Success?

Coaching is essential in high-stakes games.

Coaches make game plans, manage players, and adjust during the game.

Their decisions can make or break a season.

Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman has done a great job preparing his team for the playoffs.

Ohio State’s Ryan Day is known for his offensive strategies.

Both coaches will need to bring their best plans to the championship game.

What Makes a Championship Team?

A championship team is balanced.

They need a strong offense to score points and a solid defense to stop opponents.

Discipline and teamwork are also key.

Both Notre Dame and Ohio State have these qualities.

Notre Dame’s defense ranks second in points allowed per game, while Ohio State ranks first.

Offensively, both teams have playmakers who can score in big moments.

This balance is why they are in the championship.

How does Experience Factor into Success?

Experience can be a big advantage in high-pressure games.

Teams with experienced players and coaches are often better prepared for the intensity of the playoffs.

Veterans provide leadership on and off the field.

Ohio State has players like Cody Simon and TreVeyon Henderson who have been in big games before.

Notre Dame’s roster includes players with similar leadership qualities, like Jack Kiser.

This experience helps both teams stay calm under pressure.

How They Got Here

Notre Dame started the season strong but had an early loss to Northern Illinois.

That setback didn’t stop them.

They went on a long winning streak, beating top teams like USC, Clemson, and Penn State.

Their playoff run included a semifinal victory over Penn State in a close game, 27-24.

Ohio State had a tough start, losing to Oregon and Michigan.

Despite those losses, they stayed in the playoff picture by beating strong teams like Penn State and Wisconsin.

In the playoffs, they dominated Tennessee and Oregon before defeating Texas 28-14 in the semifinals.

Both teams faced tough competition to reach the title game.

Notre Dame’s journey required them to win in close games.

Ohio State’s path showed their ability to dominate top teams.

These battles prepared them for the championship stage.

One key difference between the teams’ paths is their approach in critical moments.

Notre Dame relied on consistent defensive stops and key offensive drives.

Ohio State leveraged big plays and turnovers to seize momentum.

These contrasting styles will make for an exciting championship matchup.

Notre Dame’s Road to the Championship

Notre Dame’s journey to the championship was marked by resilience and improvement.

After an early loss, they regrouped to dominate key games and prove they belong among the nation’s elite.

Their consistent play and strong defense have been crucial to their success.

Key Regular Season Matchups

Notre Dame’s season started with wins over lesser opponents.

Their first big test came against USC, where they won 34-20.

Later, they faced Clemson and earned a 30-24 victory.

These games showed their ability to beat strong teams.

The loss to Northern Illinois was a wake-up call.

After that, Notre Dame improved each week.

They ended the season with a 14-1 record and momentum heading into the playoffs.

Standout Players and Performances

Quarterback Riley Leonard led the team all season.

He passed for over 2,600 yards and rushed for 866.

Running back Jeremiyah Love was also a star, rushing for 1,121 yards and 17 touchdowns.

On defense, Jack Kiser led with 85 tackles.

The team’s disciplined play and ability to create turnovers were key to their success.

They ranked second nationally in points allowed, showing their defensive strength.

Playoff Semifinals

In the semifinals, Notre Dame faced Penn State in the Orange Bowl.

It was a close game, with Notre Dame winning 27-24.

Riley Leonard made big plays in the second half, including a touchdown pass to tie the game.

Notre Dame’s defense held Penn State to just three third-down conversions.

A late interception by Christian Gray sealed the victory.

This win showed Notre Dame’s ability to perform under pressure.

Defensive Strategies

Notre Dame’s defense has been a cornerstone of their success.

They excel at limiting big plays and forcing opponents into difficult third-down situations.

Their defensive line has consistently pressured quarterbacks, leading to crucial turnovers.

Against high-powered offenses like USC and Penn State, Notre Dame’s defense stepped up.

They forced timely stops and created opportunities for their offense to capitalize.

This discipline will be key in the championship game.

Ohio State’s Road to the Championship

Ohio State’s path to the championship was built on overcoming adversity and showcasing their depth of talent.

Despite setbacks, they powered through the season with strong performances in critical games and a playoff run that demonstrated their dominance.

Key Regular Season Matchups

Ohio State’s season included wins over Penn State and Wisconsin.

These victories helped them stay in the playoff hunt despite losses to Oregon and Michigan.

Their ability to bounce back was crucial.

Their game against Michigan was tough.

They lost 31-27, but the team learned from that game.

It helped them improve for the playoffs.

Standout Players and Performances

Quarterback Will Howard led the offense with 3,779 passing yards and 33 touchdowns.

Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith was his favorite target, with 1,227 yards and 14 touchdowns.

On defense, Cody Simon was a leader with 104 tackles.

The team’s defensive line recorded 51 sacks, making them one of the best in the nation.

Their defense was key in big games.

Playoff Semifinals

In the semifinals, Ohio State faced Texas in the Cotton Bowl.

They won 28-14, thanks to a strong defensive performance.

A goal-line stand in the fourth quarter and a scoop-and-score touchdown by Jack Sawyer sealed the game.

Offensively, TreVeyon Henderson’s 75-yard touchdown catch was a highlight.

The team showed they could win against tough competition.

This win set them up for the championship game.

Offensive Game Plan

Ohio State’s offense relies on explosive plays and quick strikes.

Will Howard’s ability to spread the ball to multiple receivers keeps defenses guessing.

Jeremiah Smith is a major threat, but the team’s depth makes them hard to defend.

In key games, their balanced attack has been hard to stop.

Against Texas, they used both the run and pass effectively to control the game.

This versatility will be a major factor in the championship.

2025 College Football Playoff National Championship Betting Conclusion

The College Football Playoff National Championship will feature two of the best teams in the country.

Notre Dame and Ohio State have different paths but share the same goal.

Both teams have strong players, great coaches, and the drive to win.

This game will come down to execution and key plays.

Will Ohio State add a second title to their history?

Or will Notre Dame win their first in the CFP era? We’ll find out on Monday night. (Check this out: Significance of the National Championship)

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Happy Hump 🐪 day 5 More Days to the National Championship 🏆 Game Ohio State Vs Notre Dame
— David Maxwell (@Ma21887944David) January 15, 2025

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Who Will Reign Supreme? 2025 College Football National Championship Odds Revealed!

Team	Odds
Ohio State Buckeyes	-370
Texas Longhorns	+285

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For those looking to capitalize on the excitement, dive into betting National Championship game odds, explore the Notre Dame vs Ohio State matchup, and check out betting college bowl props for even more ways to get involved.

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What is the College Football Playoff National Championship Game? Let’s Find Out

The College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship Game is the pinnacle of college football, where the two best teams in the country face off to determine the national champion for the NCAA FBS season. The game is the final match of the College Football Playoff series, which begins with a selection of the top four ranked teams based on performance, rankings, and strength of schedule. These teams compete in two semifinal games, and the winners meet in the National Championship Game, typically held in early January at a neutral site.

For betting enthusiasts, this game is one of the most exciting events in sports. College football odds for the national championship fluctuate leading up to the game, offering opportunities to place wagers on everything from the point spread to over/under totals and specific player props. Fans and bettors alike eagerly follow the action, with the betting lines often shifting as both teams finalize their rosters and game plans.

The College Football National Championship is not just about crowning a winner but also an event that can have a lasting impact on recruiting, future team success, and legacy. If you’re looking to make the most of this high-stakes game, checking out betting lines and betting odds in advance is crucial to maximizing your betting experience.

Stay updated with the latest news and betting insights in our Sports News section for the most current CFP odds and betting trends as the National Championship Game approaches!

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