© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Ohio State took down Notre Dame in the national championship game to secure its first title in a decade. Freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith shined in that win, making a clutch catch near the end of regulation.
The Buckeyes led by eight points late, facing a third and long in their own territory. Rather than play conservatively, the offense aired it out. Smith hauled in a 56-yard reception on a go-route to put the game on ice.
WILL HOWARD TO JEREMIAH SMITH TO ALL BUT ICE THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/X7RwFblX0p
— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) January 21, 2025
In that moment, Smith made good on a pregame promise. Prior to kickoff, he was asked about facing the Fighting Irish defense.
“If you’re going to play man-to-man against Ohio State, be ready. I can’t wait to put on a show.”
-Jeremiah Smith
That was exactly what Notre Dame did on that crucial third down, and in many other instances throughout the night. Despite Ohio State’s bevy of talented pass catchers, the Irish opted to challenge the Buckeyes as opposed to playing zone.
“We’re not going to change who we are. We’re going to play man coverage like we do every week. We’re going to go out there and challenge their receivers.” – Notre Dame freshman All-American Leonard Moore pic.twitter.com/PcUEgjwumI
— Matt Freeman (@mattfreeman05_) January 16, 2025
In the Buckeyes’ previous matchup against Texas, they faced a great deal of zone coverage as the Longhorns looked to prevent big plays in the passing game. That approach largely worked as Texas held Ohio State to just 21 offensive points. Jeremiah Smith was held to one catch for three yards.
He was happy to see a new defensive mindset on Monday as he racked up five receptions for 88 yards and a score against the Irish. QB Will Howard thrived, too. The passer completed 81% of his passes while throwing for 231 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Notre Dame entered the matchup boasting one of the best defensive backfields in college football. They opted to stick with the approach that got them to this point against Ohio State. Unfortunately, it failed them in the game’s most crucial moment, and the Buckeyes were the beneficiary.