INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JANUARY 10: The 2022 CFP National Championship logo is seen on the field before the game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2022 CFP National Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 10, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
The 2024 College Football Playoff has just one game remaining, with Ohio St. and Notre Dame set to meet in the National Championship next Monday. Here are 5 factors that I think will determine the game.
Can Smith Get Going Again?
COLUMBUS, OHIO – NOVEMBER 09: Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith #4 of the Ohio State Buckeyes seen in action during the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ohio Stadium on November 09, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
Despite dominating in the first two playoff games for the Buckeyes, receiver Jeremiah Smith was held to just one catch against Texas. He needs to be more involved in the offense if Ohio State wants to outmatch the Notre Dame defense.
Both teams Must Be Cleaner
COLUMBUS, OHIO – DECEMBER 21: Will Howard #18 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates after a Buckeyes touchdown against the Tennessee Volunteers during the fourth quarter in the Playoff First Round Game at Ohio Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
The Buckeyes committed nine total penalties in their win over Texas, a stat that must be improved upon. The Irish also need to clean up their act; they had two interceptions against Penn State that were overturned due to penalties.
Two Head Coaches In Question
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – DECEMBER 20: Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman reacts after a play in action during the Playoff First Round game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Indiana Hoosiers at Notre Dame Stadium on December 20, 2024 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Robin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
While Marcus Freeman and Ryan Day have both been very successful as head coaches, they are both missing that elusive national title. As of next Monday night, one of them will be remembered as a national champion, while the other will need to return to the drawing board.
Can The Irish Stop JT And Jack?
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 29: Jack Sawyer #33 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates after a sack during the third quarter against the Missouri Tigers in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
The Buckeyes’ JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer are a fearsome pass-rush duo; they combined for 2.5 sacks and a touchdown against Texas. If the Irish want to have success in the passing game, they need to keep those two away from QB Riley Leonard.
Notre Dame Needs To Stop Run
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 10: TreVeyon Henderson #32 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs with the ball in the second quarter against the Texas Longhorns during the Goodyear Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium on January 10, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
The Irish surrendered three rushing TDs against Penn State, the most of any game this season. They have to buckle down on an Ohio State rushing attack that features talented running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins.
