Ohio State vs Notre Dame: Game Preview, Analysis, and Key Matchups

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Ohio State and Notre Dame met in the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship on January 20 in Atlanta. Ohio State emerged victorious with a 34–23 win, claiming their ninth national title while Notre Dame chased its first since 1988. The game was marked by two dominant defenses, a powerful Ohio State offensive front, and a resilient Notre Dame ground attack.(en.wikipedia.org)

Why It Matters Now – and the “ohio state vs notre dame” Angle

This matchup, often billed as a blue-blood showdown, drew attention because it featured two top-tier programs with rich histories—Ohio State seeking its second CFP-era title and Notre Dame aiming to break a 36-year drought. Both teams entered with elite defenses and high-stakes narratives, making the “ohio state vs notre dame” keyword especially relevant for fans and analysts today.(en.wikipedia.org)

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Game Context and Pre-Match Conditions

Ohio State entered the title game with strength on both sides of the ball. Their defense ranked among the nation’s best—they had the lowest points allowed per game and a potent pass rush. Notre Dame, meanwhile, leaned heavily on its ground game and disciplined man coverage.

Notre Dame’s offensive attack was powered by running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, along with dual-threat quarterback Riley Leonard. Despite his mobility, Love was playing through a knee injury and operated with a brace.

Ohio State boasted a stacked backfield with Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson. Judkins exploded out of the gate in the playoffs, and the Buckeyes’ offensive line—though affected by injuries—continued to perform at an elite level.

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Key Matchups That Defined the Game

Notre Dame’s Run Game vs Ohio State’s Run Defense

Notre Dame’s ground attack ranked among the nation’s most efficient, averaging nearly 6 yards per carry. Love, Leonard, and Price posed a multi-dimensional threat. However, they faced Ohio State’s run defense, arguably the toughest in the CFP—with a sub-3 yards per carry average and dominant stopping power.

Offensive Line Battles

Ohio State’s interior line, undermanned and reconfigured due to injuries, faced off against Notre Dame D‑tackle Howard Cross III—one of the top interior rushers. His pressures could tilt the balance, especially against a Buckeye line lacking continuity.

On the other side, Notre Dame lost LT Anthonie Knapp, forcing a freshman to start—a liability when tasked with slowing Ohio State’s elite edge duo, Sawyer and Tuimoloau.

Passing Game vs Secondary

Both teams relied on disciplined defensive packages. Notre Dame maintained elite pass coverage metrics, especially in man-to-man looks. Ohio State’s defense, in turn, applied consistent pressure while blitzing sparingly—demonstrating confidence in their front line.

Offensively, Ohio State leaned on receiving threats like Emeka Egbuka and Carnell Tate when zones tightened around their top target, Jeremiah Smith. Meanwhile, Notre Dame turned to Greathouse as Leonard’s quick outlet.

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Game Flow Recap

Notre Dame struck first with a methodical 18-play drive culminating in a Riley Leonard rushing TD. Ohio State responded quickly, and then dominated the rest of the first half, scoring 21 unanswered points. Judkins stood out with both rushing and receiving touchdowns.(en.wikipedia.org)

In the second half, Ohio State continued to control, highlighted by a 70-yard rushing burst by Judkins and a long field goal. Notre Dame failed to recover momentum.(en.wikipedia.org)

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Reactions and Insights

Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles noted the added complexity Notre Dame’s dual-threat quarterback posed to defensive assignments.
Notre Dame’s reliance on their run book drew critique; analysts argued the Irish needed to inject more creativity or risk falling predictably behind.

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Driving the “ohio state vs notre dame” SEO Narrative

This game played out like a classic blueprint for fans searching “ohio state vs notre dame.”
– Title implications framed the narrative.
– Defense vs offense battles anchored headlines.
– Individual stars (Judkins, Leonard, Love, Egbuka) added personal storylines.
– Historical context and rankings kept the keyword central throughout analysis.

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What Comes Next For Both Programs

Ohio State now stands with nine national titles and their second CFP-era win, extending their recent success. They return to a familiar throne with experience front and center.(en.wikipedia.org)

Notre Dame, despite falling short, gains momentum. Love and Moore continue their All-American trajectories and could tip toward unanimous selections in 2025.
This game sets a foundation for the next season—Notre Dame must solve protection woes and broaden its offensive scheme, while Ohio State’s veteran defense aims to remain dominant when next they meet.

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“It adds a whole nother dimension to the game,” said Styles on Notre Dame’s quarterback threats.
This summed up Ohio State’s respect for Notre Dame’s rushing scheme even in defeat.

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The “ohio state vs notre dame” matchup delivered as advertised. A defensive chess match, power-run theatrics, and history on the line. For readers tracking that keyword, this recap sharpens the focus on key players, strategic clashes, and next steps heading into another season of rivalry and recruitment.

This preview remains relevant for future coverage as the programs regroup, recruits flow, and the legacy of this 2025 title game sets the stage for what’s ahead in the Buckeyes–Irish saga.

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Breaking it down: who had the edge?

• Ohio State’s stout front, depth, and dual-threat pass rush overpowered Notre Dame’s offensive inconsistencies.
• Notre Dame’s ground game and quarterback added intrigue but ultimately lacked the support to tilt the title outcome.

Eyes now shift to offseason adjustments, returning stars, and how each program will leverage lessons from this high-stakes encounter.

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