My son doesn't play football, but he loves the game. He was very excited and confident the whole game that Ohio State would win'

If all goes according to plan, there will be cigars and confetti and tears of unfiltered joy. For Ohio State, the No. 8 seed in the

Here are three reasons why Ohio State will be that team.

When it comes to the Ohio State offense, much of the focus is on the passing game. QB Will Howard and wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka may get the spotlight, but the duo in the backfield of TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins have been just as deadly.

Notre Dame (14-1) and Ohio State (13-2) will meet on Jan. 20 in Atlanta to claim the first championship of the 12-team CFP.

The Buckeyes ended their regular season with a loss to rival Michigan. Then they rebounded to play their best football.

SportsLine expert Mike Tierney shares his expert picks for the Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish 2025 College Football Playoff Championship game on Monday, Jan. 20

The last time the Ohio State Buckeyes won the college football National Championship, they got an all-time rushing effort from running back Ezekiel Elliott. Elliott set championship game record with 246 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 36 carries.

The first 12-team College Football Playoff is steamrolling toward a dramatic finish in the heart of SEC country Monday night. At Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, the unofficial home of college football meaning more, it will be two Midwest teams meeting for the national championship for the first time.

Tre'Veyon Henderson scored two touchdowns in Ohio State's Cotton Bowl victory and helps lead the Buckeyes into the big matchup against Notre Dame.

The Ohio State Buckeyes defeated Notre Dame to win the College Football Playoff national championship. This is their first national title since winning the inaugural College Football Playoff in 2014. Ohio State fell behind early, but rallied to a 21-7 lead at halftime and controlled the second half for a decisive victory.