Then, for the biggest play of the game, Notre Dame decided to leave Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith on an island. It was third and 12 and the Fighting Irish would get the ball back with a stop with a chance to tie the game. Smith completely burned his defender and he was wide open for a huge gain, and he iced the game.

Two of college football’s most recognizable schools will face off with everything on the line, as Ohio State and Notre Dame meet in the College Football Playoff

Well, the the Buckeyes left a little bit of doubt in Monday night's College Football Playoff championship game. But for the first time in a decade, the Buckeyes are the kings of college football after holding on to beat Notre Dame 34-23 in front of 77,660 at Mercedes Benz Stadium.

Jesse Temple: Ohio State has been a juggernaut during a three-game winning streak in the Playoff, embarrassing Tennessee and Oregon. Notre Dame has won 13 straight games and put together a fantastic season. But Ohio State’s balance and overall talent should emerge. … Ohio State 24, Notre Dame 14.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are coming off a national championship win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. After losing to their bitter rival Michigan Wolverines for the fourth straight season, many counted the Buckeyes out.