Key Matchups and Storylines Ahead of Monday Night’s College Football Playoff Championship
As Notre Dame and Ohio State prepare to clash in the College Football Playoff Championship, predicting the decisive factor in this showdown remains a challenge. However, one critical matchup could heavily influence the outcome: the Fighting Irish’s ability to contain Ohio State’s star freshman receiver, Jeremiah Smith.
Smith, a game-changer throughout the postseason, was held to just one catch for three yards in the Buckeyes’ semifinal victory over Texas. This defensive effort came after Smith lit up Tennessee and Oregon for a combined 13 receptions, 290 yards, and four touchdowns in the first two playoff rounds. Despite Texas’ success in limiting Smith with double- and triple-coverage, Ohio State still emerged victorious, 28-14, thanks to contributions from other key players.
Ohio State offensive coordinator Chip Kelly praised Smith’s resilience, emphasizing the freshman’s focus on the ultimate goal: delivering the Buckeyes their first national title in a decade. Smith, who has amassed 1,227 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns this season, will face another significant challenge Monday against Notre Dame’s standout freshman cornerback, Leonard Moore.
Moore, recently named the Freshman Defensive Player of the Year by the Football Writers Association of America, has been instrumental for the Fighting Irish with 10 pass breakups and two interceptions this season. Notre Dame’s defensive philosophy, built on man-to-man coverage, will remain unchanged against Ohio State’s talented receiving corps.
“We’re not going to change who we are,” Moore said. “We’ll play man coverage like we do every week.”
While Smith’s quiet performance against Texas opened opportunities for teammates like Carnell Tate (7 receptions, 87 yards) and running back TreVeyon Henderson (75 yards and a touchdown on a screen pass), Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman knows containing Ohio State’s offense requires more than neutralizing one player.
“You’re not going to completely stop their receivers—they’re too talented,” Freeman said. “We need a solid plan and the ability to adapt during the game.”
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard has been outstanding in the postseason, completing 73.9% of his passes for 919 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions. His ability to spread the ball among Smith, Emeka Ebuka (75 receptions, 947 yards, 10 touchdowns), and Tate keeps defenses on their heels.
Notre Dame counters with a defense that has excelled all season. The Fighting Irish lead Division I in interceptions (19), rank second in pass defense (165.3 yards per game), and are tied for second in scoring defense (14.3 points allowed per game)—trailing only Ohio State in those categories.
Offensively, the Irish will rely on quarterback Riley Leonard, a Duke transfer who has been efficient but unspectacular during the playoffs (67.1% completion rate, 514 yards, 3 TDs, 3 INTs). Leonard’s mobility, however, adds a dynamic element, as he has rushed for 145 yards and two scores in postseason play.
Notre Dame’s ground game, led by running back Jeremiyah Love (1,122 rushing yards this season), has struggled recently, with Love gaining just 65 yards over the last two games. The offensive line will also be without left tackle Anthonie Knapp, who is sidelined with a high ankle sprain. Tosh Baker will make his first start of the season in Knapp’s place.
Ohio State’s defense, allowing just 251.1 total yards and 12.2 points per game, will test the Fighting Irish at every level. Cornerback Denzel Burke is expected to return after missing the second half against Texas with an upper-body injury.
For Notre Dame, Monday night marks a return to the national spotlight—their first title game since falling to Alabama in the 2013 BCS Championship. The Fighting Irish are seeking their first championship since 1988, while Ohio State aims to capture its first crown since 2014.
With two of the nation’s premier defenses and a wealth of playmakers on both sides, Monday night’s game promises to deliver a thrilling conclusion to the college football season.
