On Monday night, the prestigious world of college football will witness a monumental clash as the Fighting Irish from Notre Dame face off against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the national championship game. The stakes are incredibly high for both teams. Ohio State's head coach, Ryan Day, aims to redeem himself after a disappointing loss to Michigan, while Notre Dame seeks its first national title since 1989 under Hall of Fame coach Lou Holtz. Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame’s current coach, has already made history by becoming the first Black and Asian coach to reach the championship. This year marks the debut of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, which has brought both excitement and controversy to the sport.

The introduction of the 12-team playoff system has been a significant shift from the previous four-team format used over the past decade. While this expansion was intended to level the playing field and provide more opportunities for mid-tier programs, it has not been without its challenges. The early rounds of the playoffs were largely predictable, with top-seeded teams dominating their opponents. Additionally, the new Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules, along with an expanded transfer portal, have led to unprecedented player movement, often benefiting the Power 5 conferences at the expense of smaller schools. UConn’s football program, for instance, has faced difficulties retaining talent, with one of its defensive stars recently transferring to North Carolina.

The selection process for the playoff remains subjective, balancing strength of schedule against win-loss records. Notre Dame, despite beating several ranked opponents, did not face any teams higher than 15th during the regular season. In contrast, Ohio State had a tougher schedule, losing narrowly to Oregon and Michigan but defeating Penn State and Indiana. Despite this, Notre Dame’s playoff performances, including victories over Indiana, Georgia, and Penn State, have solidified their place in the championship. Ohio State, favored by 8.5 points, is seen as the more talented team, though they are not invincible.

In the end, Monday night’s championship will be a test of both teams’ resilience and skill. Ohio State’s experience and depth may give them the edge, but Notre Dame’s journey to this point demonstrates that they are more than capable of making a strong showing. The outcome remains uncertain, but fans can expect an intense and competitive match that will likely come down to the wire.