In the world of college football, few matchups excite fans as much as the clash between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The recent game between these two storied programs in the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship showcased a thrilling contest filled with incredible plays and standout performances. In this article, we will delve into the detailed player statistics from the Ohio State Buckeyes Football Vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football Match, examining key performances that led to Ohio State’s victory.
- Ohio State defeated Notre Dame 34-23 in a thrilling championship game.
- Will Howard had an impressive passing performance for Ohio State.
- Quinshon Judkins played a vital role in the Buckeyes’ rushing attack.
- Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard showcased his dual-threat capabilities despite the loss.
- The game featured crucial moments that influenced the final outcome.
Ohio State Buckeyes Overview
The Ohio State Buckeyes came into the national championship matchup looking for their seventh title, and they delivered with an impressive overall performance. The game not only demonstrated their skill and strategy on both sides of the ball but also highlighted individual excellence from several key players.
Passing Performance
Will Howard was exceptional in leading the Buckeyes’ offense during this high-stakes game. Completing 17 out of 21 passes for 231 yards and 2 touchdowns, Howard’s efficiency was vital to Ohio State’s success.
- First Half Dominance: Howard started strong, completing his first 13 passes. This set a solid foundation for his team, providing them with momentum early on.
- Game Sealing Plays: In critical moments, such as a late third-and-11 situation, Howard connected with Jeremiah Smith on a 56-yard reception that helped seal the victory for Ohio State.
| Player | Completions/Attempts | Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Will Howard | 17/21 | 231 | 2 |
Quinshon Judkins
The Buckeyes’ ground game was equally impressive, spearheaded by Quinshon Judkins. His ability to find gaps in the defense and break tackles made him a crucial asset to Ohio State’s offensive scheme.
- Total Carries: Judkins carried the ball 11 times, accumulating 100 yards and scoring two pivotal touchdowns during the game.
- Aggressive Running Style: Judkins showcased agility and speed, often breaking through defensive lines which allowed him to secure significant yardage.
Jeremiah Smith
The receiving corps played a significant role in helping quarterback Will Howard achieve such stellar stats. One standout performer was Jeremiah Smith, who proved to be a reliable target throughout the game.
- Total Receptions: Smith caught 5 passes for 88 yards and scored one touchdown. His big-play ability was instrumental in keeping drives alive.
- Clutch Performance: Smith’s ability to perform under pressure was evident during critical third-down situations where he consistently made important catches.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Overview
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish put up a formidable fight against Ohio State but ultimately fell short. Despite their loss, several players had notable performances which kept them competitive throughout the game.
Passing Performance: Riley Leonard
Riley Leonard served as Notre Dame’s starting quarterback and had a commendable outing despite not getting his team across the finish line. He completed 22 of his 31 attempts for 255 yards with two touchdowns.
- Pacing the Offense: Leonard displayed excellent poise in the pocket and made smart decisions under pressure, allowing him to distribute the ball effectively to his receivers.
- Tough Situations: While he faced heavy pressure at times, he managed to keep drives alive with crucial throws that kept Notre Dame within striking distance.
| Player | Completions/Attempts | Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riley Leonard | 22/31 | 255 | 2 |
Rushing Contribution: Riley Leonard’s Dual-Threat Ability
The significance of Riley Leonard goes beyond just his passing stats; he also contributed significantly on the ground. His performance illustrated his dual-threat capability as he rushed for 40 yards and scored one touchdown on 17 carries.
- Misdirection Plays: Leonard’s ability to evade tacklers allowed him to extend plays when protection broke down, showcasing his athleticism.
- Diverse Offensive Strategy: His rushing opened up opportunities for other backs by keeping defenders on high alert about his potential to run or pass at any moment.
The Receiving Weapons: Jaden Greathouse
An essential part of any successful passing offense is having reliable receivers. For Notre Dame, Jaden Greathouse emerged as one of those key targets during this championship battle.
- Total Receptions: Greathouse recorded six receptions for an eye-catching 128 yards along with two touchdown receptions. His big plays electrified the crowd and kept Notre Dame in contention.
A Closer Look at Game Highlights & Key Moments
This championship match provided numerous memorable moments that showcased strategic play-calling from both coaching staffs. Here are some highlights worth noting:
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- No Go for Fake Punt:A failed fake punt attempt by Notre Dame resulted in an opportunity for Ohio State to increase their lead significantly during a critical third quarter moment.
- The Missed Field Goal:A short field goal attempt by Mitch Jeter clanged off the left upright and could have altered Notre Dame’s trajectory had it been successful.
- Late Game Decisions:The decision-making process by both coaches became pivotal in determining how each team approached their final possessions.
The Final Outcome: Ohio State’s Dominance Shines Through
The final score of 34-23 reflected more than just numbers; it underscored Ohio State’s dominance throughout various segments of gameplay. They outgained Notre Dame in total yards (445 to 308) while showcasing their strong offensive power coupled with effective defensive strategies that ultimately sealed their victory on college football’s biggest stage.
The game serves as a testament not only to skillful execution but also highlights how crucial individual contributions can influence team success. Overall, Ohio State’s blend of explosive offense combined with steadfast defense paved its way toward claiming yet another national title!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What were the key player statistics from both teams?
The key player statistics include Will Howard from Ohio State passing for 231 yards and Quinshon Judkins rushing for over 100 yards. For Notre Dame, Riley Leonard passed for over 250 yards and rushed well too while Jaden Greathouse caught two touchdown passes.
How did special teams impact the game?
A missed field goal attempt by Notre Dame could have shifted momentum significantly while a failed fake punt led directly into points for Ohio State, highlighting special teams’ critical roles throughout this close matchup!
Please summarize how close this game truly was?
This game remained tightly contested until late fourth quarter! A strong surge from Notre Dame made it competitive again after trailing initially; however still managing holds on defense enabled OSU’s success come full circle!
