Ohio State outlasts Notre Dame to win first national title in a decade

Notre Dame became the latest team to find out what the rest of Ohio State’s opponents learned during this newly expanded College Football Playoff: It’s amazing what one can sometimes accomplish when angry, isn’t it?

Notre Dame became the latest team to find out what the rest of Ohio State’s opponents learned during this newly expanded College Football Playoff: It’s amazing what one can sometimes accomplish when angry, isn’t it? In the first year of the College Football Playoff expanding from four to 12 teams, the ultimate winner is Ohio State. The Buckeyes, seeded No. 8 after a late-season stunning loss at home to Michigan, dominated during the playoffs, winning the national championship game against No. 7 seed Notre Dame 34-23 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. “I can’t put it into words,” defensive end Jack Sawyer told CNN. “It’s the best feeling.” A late-season crushing loss to its archrival, the Wolverines, at Ohio Stadium looked like it would derail Ohio State – even with the Buckeyes knowing they’d be snagging one of those 12 playoff spots in this new format. Ryan Day’s record against Michigan dropped to 1-4 – unacceptable for Ohio State fans – and there were calls from impassioned Buckeyes fans for his firing. The only way to redeem themselves – and Buckeye faithful – was to win it all.