College football fans are in for a treat on Monday night as Ohio State takes on Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff National Championship (7:30 p.m. ET). This clash features two of the most talented and balanced rosters in the country, with stars ready to shine on the game’s biggest stage.
Path to the Championship
Ohio State has dominated its playoff journey, outscoring Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas by a combined 111-52. Ryan Day’s squad boasts elite talent and depth on both sides of the ball. Notre Dame, meanwhile, has leaned on a powerful rushing attack and a stingy defense, limiting Indiana, Georgia, and Penn State to just 17 points per game in the CFP. The Irish have rebounded from an early-season upset loss to Northern Illinois to contend for their first national title since 1988.
Quarterback Showdown
Both teams are led by standout quarterbacks. Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard has excelled with his dual-threat abilities, throwing for 2,606 yards and 19 touchdowns while rushing for 866 yards and 16 scores. On the other side, Ohio State’s Will Howard has been a reliable leader for the Buckeyes’ explosive offense.
Defensive Powerhouses
These two programs also feature the best defenses in the nation. Jim Knowles’ Ohio State defense allows just 12.2 points per game, while Al Golden’s Notre Dame unit gives up only 14.3. With stars like safeties Caleb Downs (Ohio State) and Xavier Watts (Notre Dame) earning All-American honors, this matchup promises a battle of elite defensive talent.
To determine which team holds the edge, we’ve created an “ultimate” national championship lineup by combining the projected starters from both teams. Here’s a breakdown:
Ultimate National Championship Lineup
Offense:
•Quarterback: Riley Leonard (Notre Dame)
Leonard’s dual-threat abilities give him the nod. The former Duke transfer has been a consistent playmaker, highlighted by his MVP performance in the Orange Bowl against Penn State.
•Running Back: TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State)
Henderson’s combination of efficiency and big-play ability makes him the choice. He’s averaging 7.3 yards per carry this season and has been electric throughout the playoffs.
•Wide Receivers: Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State) and Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State)
Smith, a true freshman phenom, leads all college receivers with 1,227 yards and 14 touchdowns. Egbuka, a seasoned veteran, complements him with 199 career catches and 24 touchdowns.
•Flex: Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame)
Love has been a spark for the Irish offense, totaling 1,121 yards and 17 touchdowns this season despite battling injuries.
•Tight End: Mitchell Evans (Notre Dame)
Continuing Notre Dame’s legacy of elite tight ends, Evans leads the team in receptions and adds a reliable target in the passing game.
•Offensive Line:
•LT: Donovan Jackson (Ohio State)
•LG: Pat Coogan (Notre Dame)
•C: Aamil Wagner (Notre Dame)
•RG: Rocco Spindler (Notre Dame)
•RT: Josh Fryar (Ohio State)
Defense:
•Defensive Line:
•DE: Jack Sawyer (Ohio State)
•DE: JT Tuimoloau (Ohio State)
•DT: Tyleik Williams (Ohio State)
•DT: Howard Cross III (Notre Dame)
•Linebackers:
•Cody Simon (Ohio State): Leads Ohio State with 104 tackles and seven sacks this season.
•Jack Kiser (Notre Dame): The veteran leader for the Irish, Kiser has a knack for big plays in critical moments.
•Drayk Bowen (Notre Dame): A rising star, Bowen has been a force in the Irish defense with 70 tackles and two forced fumbles.
•Defensive Backs:
•CB: Leonard Moore (Notre Dame)
•CB: Christian Gray (Notre Dame)
•S: Xavier Watts (Notre Dame)
•S: Caleb Downs (Ohio State)
Who Has the Edge?
Ohio State brings unmatched depth and explosiveness on offense, while Notre Dame’s balanced roster and resilient defense make it a formidable opponent. This ultimate lineup highlights the best from both programs, showcasing why these teams are the last two standing.
Will Ohio State’s firepower prevail, or will Notre Dame’s physicality and discipline finally deliver the Irish their first title in decades? The answer awaits Monday night.
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