Jeremiah Smith and the Ohio State Buckeyes Cap Off 2024 Season with a 34-23 Win Over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game
The 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship Game was a spectacle of athleticism, strategy, and high stakes. The Ohio State Buckeyes, led by star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, faced off against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a matchup that would go down in history as one of the most thrilling and hard-fought games in recent memory. The Buckeyes capped off their season with a 34-23 victory, solidifying their place as college football’s elite team and marking a significant moment in both the careers of their players and the history of the program.
As the final whistle blew at the end of the game, the atmosphere in the stadium was electric. The Ohio State faithful erupted in celebration as their team claimed the national title, while Notre Dame’s faithful were left to grapple with the disappointment of coming so close, yet falling short. But while both teams deserved credit for their resilience and talent, it was Jeremiah Smith’s extraordinary performance that ultimately carried the Buckeyes to victory and ensured that Ohio State’s 2024 campaign would be remembered for years to come.
The Build-Up to the Championship Game
The anticipation surrounding the College Football Playoff National Championship Game was palpable. Both Ohio State and Notre Dame had been dominant forces throughout the season, with each team earning its spot in the playoffs through a combination of skill, depth, and determination. Ohio State, led by head coach Ryan Day, was a juggernaut on both sides of the ball, boasting a potent offense that could strike quickly and a defense that was well-coached and disciplined. Notre Dame, under the direction of head coach Marcus Freeman, had also been impressive, with a balanced attack led by a veteran quarterback and an opportunistic defense.
Jeremiah Smith, the Ohio State star wide receiver, had already made a name for himself as one of the top players in college football. His combination of size, speed, and route-running ability made him nearly impossible to cover, and he had been instrumental in Ohio State’s rise to the top of the rankings. Throughout the season, Smith had caught numerous highlight-reel passes, often turning short gains into explosive touchdowns. His connection with quarterback Kyle McCord had been one of the driving forces behind Ohio State’s offensive success, and it was clear that the Irish defense would have its hands full trying to contain him.
For Notre Dame, the pressure was on quarterback Sam Hartman to lead the charge. Hartman had been a steady presence throughout the season, guiding the Fighting Irish to key victories and earning praise for his leadership and poise. He had a reliable group of receivers, and the running game, led by Audric Estime, had been consistent throughout the year. Notre Dame’s defense, although not as high-profile as Ohio State’s, had shown it could rise to the occasion in big games, making it clear that this would not be an easy victory for the Buckeyes.
As the teams took the field for the national championship, it was clear that both programs had their sights set on a singular goal: to be crowned the best in the country. What followed was a contest filled with drama, big plays, and moments of brilliance from both sides.
The First Half: A Back-and-Forth Battle
The opening quarter of the game set the tone for what would be a highly competitive matchup. Ohio State wasted little time asserting itself offensively, with McCord leading an efficient opening drive. The Buckeyes’ offensive line gave McCord ample time to survey the field, and Smith quickly showcased his incredible ability to make plays in space. After a few quick passes, McCord connected with Smith on a perfectly thrown deep ball down the sideline, setting up Ohio State in the red zone. It was a play that immediately let the Notre Dame defense know that keeping tabs on Smith would be a tall task.
However, Notre Dame was not about to back down. The Irish’s opening drive featured a steady mix of running and passing, with Hartman leading the offense methodically down the field. Estime found success early in the running game, and Hartman was able to connect with his tight ends and wide receivers to keep the chains moving. The Irish’s offense, while not as explosive as Ohio State’s, was built to grind out long drives, and they did just that, ultimately capping off their opening drive with a touchdown run by Estime.
As the first half progressed, both teams exchanged blows. Ohio State’s offense continued to rely on Smith’s ability to stretch the field, but Notre Dame’s defense adapted, doubling him on several key plays. This adjustment allowed other Buckeye players to step up, particularly running back TreVeyon Henderson, who began to find some room on the ground. Henderson’s hard-nosed running, coupled with McCord’s ability to manage the game efficiently, helped Ohio State remain balanced and keep Notre Dame on its toes.
Yet, Notre Dame’s offense continued to respond. Hartman found success with a series of short, quick passes to his wideouts and tight ends. The Irish’s offensive line, while not as dominant as Ohio State’s, provided Hartman enough protection to deliver passes on time. Just before halftime, Notre Dame took the lead on a well-executed drive that featured a long pass from Hartman to freshman receiver Rico Flores Jr., who made an impressive catch in the end zone. The Irish went into halftime with a narrow 17-14 lead, and the game was shaping up to be a classic championship clash.
The Second Half: Jeremiah Smith Takes Over
As the second half began, it became clear that Jeremiah Smith was primed to make the kind of game-changing plays that have become his trademark. Ohio State’s coaching staff made a concerted effort to get him involved early, utilizing a mix of quick screens, slant routes, and deep shots down the field. Smith’s presence immediately paid dividends, as he caught a crucial pass on third down to extend a drive and keep Ohio State’s offense moving.
In the third quarter, Smith truly asserted himself as the difference-maker. On a crucial drive with the game tied at 17, McCord threw a 45-yard pass down the sideline to Smith, who made an acrobatic catch despite tight coverage from Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison. The play set up a touchdown run from Henderson, and Ohio State regained the lead, 24-17. The Buckeyes’ offense, now firing on all cylinders, continued to keep Notre Dame’s defense off balance, with Smith regularly creating separation and making critical plays.
Notre Dame, however, was far from finished. Hartman and the Irish offense responded with a methodical drive, eating up clock and moving the ball efficiently. They reached the red zone, where it appeared they might tie the game. But Ohio State’s defense, which had been solid throughout the night, came up with a critical stop. Defensive back Denzel Burke made a key interception in the end zone, picking off a pass intended for Irish receiver Jaden Greathouse. The turnover proved to be a momentum-shifting play, and it was all the Buckeyes needed to put the game away.
With the ball back in Ohio State’s hands and the clock ticking down, the Buckeyes offense didn’t slow down. McCord, showing poise beyond his years, connected with Smith on an 18-yard touchdown pass that effectively sealed the victory. Smith, who had been unstoppable all night, ran a precise route and made a sensational catch in the corner of the end zone. The touchdown gave Ohio State a 34-17 lead, and with only a few minutes left on the clock, the Fighting Irish’s hopes of a comeback were dashed.
The Final Whistle: A Champion’s Legacy
As the final whistle blew and Ohio State secured the 34-23 victory, the Buckeyes’ players and coaches erupted in celebration. The 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship was theirs, and it was a well-deserved triumph. Jeremiah Smith’s performance, which included over 130 receiving yards and two touchdowns, was nothing short of legendary. He had made the plays that mattered most when it counted, cementing his legacy as one of the best wide receivers in college football history.
For head coach Ryan Day, the win was a testament to the growth and development of his program. The Buckeyes had faced fierce competition throughout the season, but they had proven themselves to be the most well-rounded and resilient team in the country. Day’s ability to adapt in-game and get the best out of his players, particularly Smith, was a key factor in Ohio State’s success.
For Notre Dame, the loss was heartbreaking, but it was not without merit. The Fighting Irish had fought valiantly and had many bright moments throughout the game. Marcus Freeman’s leadership was evident, and his team had come a long way since the beginning of the season. Though they fell short in the end, the Irish showed they were capable of competing at the highest level, and it was clear that their time would come.
As Ohio State hoisted the national championship trophy, Jeremiah Smith’s performance stood as the defining moment of the season. His combination of skill, athleticism, and clutch playmaking made him the star of the game and one of the most memorable players in the history of the College Football Playoff National Championship. For the Buckeyes, the 2024 title was a culmination of hard work, talent, and perseverance. For Smith, it was a crowning achievement to a season that would be remembered for years to come.
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