Ohio State responded to Notre Dame’s bully ball opening drive with a quick touchdown of its own.
After taking the opening kickoff, the Fighting Irish marched 75 yards in 18 plays, evaporating nearly 10 minutes of game time, to take a 7-0 lead on a 1-yard touchdown run by quarterback Riley Leonard. Faced with their first deficit of the College Football Playoff, the Buckeyes went 75 yards in 11 plays on their first drive, finding the end zone on an 8-yard touchdown toss from Will Howard to Jeremiah Smith.
Smith, the freshman All-American wide receiver, scored easily on the play thanks to some nifty design. Lined up to the right of the formation, Smith started as if he were running a reverse before changing direction and going back the way he came, hauling in an easy swing pass from Howard and walking into the end zone.
Astute observers realized the play looked familiar. It was almost identical to one that Alabama ran against Ohio State in the national title game four years ago.
Ryan Day took notes https://t.co/zlCT9t7pz2 pic.twitter.com/chnxsdSFRY
— Blake Byler (@blakebyler45) January 21, 2025
The Crimson Tide used DeVonta Smith in the way Ohio State used Jeremiah Smith tonight, with the 2020 Heisman Trophy winner scoring to give his team the lead.
Alabama eventually went on to win 52-24 to win the program’s most recent national championship.
They say if you can’t beat them, join them. Looks like that’s what the Buckeyes did tonight.
After tying the game on Smith’s touchdown, Ohio State promptly forced Notre Dame to go 3-and-out. The Buckeyes got the ball back and have now moved into the Fighting Irish red zone.
Ohio State is knocking on the door of its first lead in the CFP National Championship.
Turn on ESPN to see if they can finish the job.
Related: ‘Absolutely Ridiculous’ – Nick Saban Blasts Ryan Day’s Critics Monday Night