Ohio State Beats Texas & Notre Dame Eliminates Penn State to Reach National Championship Game
By [Your Name], Senior Sports Correspondent | January 14, 2025
In an unforgettable night of college football, Ohio State and Notre Dame each triumphed in their respective semifinals to punch their tickets to the 2025 National Championship Game. The Buckeyes outlasted a fiercely competitive Texas squad in the Cotton Bowl, securing a 34-21 victory, while the Fighting Irish delivered a decisive win over Penn State in the Rose Bowl, cruising to a 27-10 win in a performance that left their fanbase dreaming of another national title.
For Ohio State, the victory over Texas was the culmination of a dynamic and well-rounded team effort, highlighted by offensive fireworks and a defense that stood firm in critical moments. Meanwhile, Notre Dame’s victory over Penn State was an embodiment of their defensive strength, balanced offense, and ability to control the game when it mattered most.
Both teams now head to the National Championship Game with the promise of creating a clash of titans—a matchup between two of the most storied programs in college football. As fans and analysts alike eagerly await the championship showdown, let’s break down the thrilling semifinal contests that set the stage for one of the most anticipated title games in recent memory.
Cotton Bowl: Ohio State Overcomes Texas in Thrilling Battle
From the moment the first whistle blew in AT&T Stadium, Ohio State and Texas proved they were worthy of their spots in the College Football Playoff. The two teams battled in a high-energy affair that was as much about heart and perseverance as it was about raw talent. The Buckeyes came into the game with a slight edge in both rankings and momentum, but Texas was hungry, with head coach Steve Sarkisian’s squad eager to prove they belonged in the national conversation.
The First Half: A Back-and-Forth Struggle
The game began in dramatic fashion, with Ohio State quickly asserting themselves on the offensive side of the ball. Quarterback Cade Stover was sharp early on, guiding the Buckeyes downfield with a blend of precise throws and solid running from star back TreVeyon Henderson. Henderson, who had been a dominant force throughout the season, capped off Ohio State’s opening drive with a 4-yard touchdown run, giving the Buckeyes an early 7-0 lead.
Texas responded immediately, showcasing their explosive offense. Quarterback Quinn Ewers, the young signal caller who had been lights out throughout the season, orchestrated a methodical drive. With his strong arm and pinpoint accuracy, Ewers connected on several key passes, including a 22-yard strike to wide receiver Xavier Worthy that set up a 5-yard touchdown pass to tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders. The Longhorns answered back, tying the game 7-7.
What followed was a back-and-forth that highlighted the strengths of both teams. Ohio State’s offense, led by Stover and Henderson, continued to push the ball down the field. Henderson’s blend of speed and power was too much for the Texas defense to handle, and after an impressive 12-play drive, he found the end zone again, this time on a 3-yard rush to make it 14-7 Ohio State.
But the Longhorns weren’t to be outdone. Ewers, playing with poise beyond his years, led Texas down the field once more. The Longhorns’ offensive line gave Ewers enough time in the pocket, and his throws to Worthy and Sanders kept the chains moving. A 12-yard touchdown run from running back Bijan Robinson, who had been a key figure in the backfield, tied the game again at 14-14.
With both teams putting on a show offensively, it seemed like the game would come down to which team could make the most critical stop. That stop came from Ohio State’s defense just before halftime, when linebacker Tommy Eichenberg intercepted a pass from Ewers, who was trying to force a throw into traffic. The interception set up a short touchdown drive for Ohio State, with Stover connecting with Harrison Jr. for a 14-yard score. This gave the Buckeyes a 21-14 lead heading into halftime.
The Second Half: Ohio State Takes Control
Coming out of the locker room, it was clear that both teams had made adjustments, but it was Ohio State that responded better in the second half. The Buckeyes’ defense came out with a renewed energy, shutting down Robinson and pressuring Ewers with consistent blitzes and stunts. Texas’ offensive line, which had looked solid in the first half, struggled to contain Ohio State’s defensive front, allowing the Buckeyes to gain an upper hand.
Midway through the third quarter, the momentum swung decisively in Ohio State’s favor. With the score still tight at 21-14, the Buckeyes marched down the field with a methodical drive that took nearly six minutes off the clock. Stover made key passes to wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, while Henderson continued to gash the Texas defense with both inside runs and runs to the outside. The drive culminated in a 1-yard touchdown by Henderson, his third of the game, pushing Ohio State’s lead to 28-14.
Texas responded in kind, with Ewers and Robinson continuing to fight hard for every yard. However, Ohio State’s defense seemed to grow stronger as the game wore on, particularly in the red zone. The Longhorns had their chances, but a key sack on third-and-goal from Ewers by defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau forced them to settle for a field goal, making it 28-17 in favor of Ohio State.
In the fourth quarter, Ohio State would put the game away with a final field goal to make it 31-17. Texas, now in desperation mode, tried to mount one last drive, but a critical interception by Ohio State’s cornerback Denzel Burke sealed the win. The Buckeyes would add another field goal for good measure, pushing the score to 34-21 and solidifying their spot in the National Championship Game.
Notre Dame vs. Penn State: A Defensive Showcase
The second semifinal took place in the Rose Bowl, where Notre Dame faced off against Penn State in what promised to be a defensive showdown. Both teams entered the game with top-tier defenses and strong running games, making it clear that the outcome would likely be determined by who could execute their game plan better under pressure.
The First Half: Notre Dame’s Defense Dominates
From the outset, Notre Dame’s defense set the tone. Led by linebacker J.D. Bertrand and defensive back Benjamin Morrison, the Fighting Irish shut down Penn State’s offense at every turn. Quarterback Drew Allar, who had been impressive throughout the season, found himself under constant pressure. Penn State’s offensive line simply could not contain Notre Dame’s front seven, which disrupted every passing attempt and stuffed every rushing effort.
Notre Dame’s offense, while not as explosive as Ohio State’s, was methodical and efficient. Quarterback Sam Hartman, known for his experience and poise, carefully orchestrated long drives, taking what the defense gave him. Hartman’s ability to read the field and make accurate throws allowed the Irish to steadily move down the field. Running back Audric Estimé played a key role, breaking off runs of 10-12 yards at a time and wearing down the Nittany Lions’ defense.
The first half was a defensive battle, with both teams trading field goals. Penn State’s kicker, Jake Pinegar, connected from 38 yards out to give the Nittany Lions an early 3-0 lead, but Notre Dame responded with a field goal of their own to tie it at 3-3. The teams then exchanged punts before the Irish took control with a 10-play, 72-yard drive that ended with Estimé powering into the end zone for a 3-yard touchdown, giving Notre Dame a 10-3 lead going into halftime.
The Second Half: Notre Dame’s Offense Seals the Deal
The second half saw Penn State attempt to adjust, but Notre Dame’s defense was impenetrable. Allar struggled to find any rhythm, and Notre Dame’s relentless pressure forced several errant throws. When Penn State did get into Notre Dame territory, their drives stalled thanks to critical sacks, including a game-changing third-quarter sack by Irish defensive end Riley Mills.
Offensively, Notre Dame was methodical but efficient, taking control of the clock and keeping Penn State’s defense on the field. Hartman connected on several key throws, including a 23-yard completion to tight end Mitchell Evans that set up a 2-yard touchdown run by Estimé. The score pushed Notre Dame’s lead to 17-3, and the Fighting Irish seemed to be in full control.
Penn State, facing a 14-point deficit, was forced to go to the air, but Allar could not get into a rhythm, as Notre Dame’s secondary, led by Morrison, continued to stifle the Nittany Lions’ passing attack. With just over seven minutes left in the game, Notre Dame sealed the win with another field goal, making it 20-3. Penn State managed a late touchdown, but it was too little, too late, and the Irish defense made one final stop to secure the 27-10 victory.
National Championship Game Preview: Ohio State vs. Notre Dame
With both teams victorious in their semifinal matchups, the stage is now set for a National Championship Game that promises to be a showdown of two of the most storied programs in college football history.
Ohio State, with its explosive offense led by Cade Stover and TreVeyon Henderson, will take on Notre Dame, whose defense and balanced offense have been the keys to their success all season long. The Buckeyes will look to outscore the Irish, while Notre Dame will aim to control the clock and neutralize Ohio State’s high-powered attack.
The matchup promises to be a clash of styles—offense versus defense, speed versus power—but one thing is certain: both teams will bring their A-game when they meet for college football’s ultimate prize.
The countdown to the National Championship Game has begun, and fans around the world are eagerly anticipating what promises to be one of the most thrilling title games in recent memory.
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