College football national championship final score, highlights: Ohio State holds off Notre Dame to win title, 34-23

On By Littum

Ohio State had to sweat a little bit Monday night.

The Buckeyes became the first two-loss national champion in 18 years with a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame. Ohio State far outplayed the Fighting Irish in the first 40 minutes of the game, but needed to fend off a late push by Notre Dame to get the win.

Notre Dame scored 16 straight points after Ohio State took a 31-7 lead with 12:46 left in the third quarter. The Irish trimmed the lead to eight with 4:15 left when Riley Leonard hit Jaden Greathouse for a 30-yard TD before a two-point conversion. But Ohio State iced the game on third down before the two-minute warning when Will Howard hit freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith for a long pass.

(Read Nick Bromberg’s full title game summary right here)

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  • OHIO STATE WINS CFP NATIONAL TITLE!

  • Full circle moment: OSU plants flag after winning natty

  • Kirk Herbstreit breaks down on TV after OSU win

  • The celebration continues for OSU

  • OSU coach and AD share a moment after the win

  • Will Howard is basking at the moment

  • Ohio State wants its rings

  • The moment OSU clinched the title…

  • OHIO STATE WINS CFP NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

    The Buckeyes win the first ever 12-team playoff, beating Notre Dame 34-23 to claim the title!

    It is Ohio State’s first national title since the 2014 season.

  • Ohio State adds a FG

    Jayden Fielding kicks a 33-yard field goal to make it a two-possession game.

    With 26 seconds left, it’s all a formality now.

    The Buckeyes are on their way to a CFP Championship!

    Ohio State 34, Notre Dame 23

  • Another angle on the Jeremiah Smith catch

  • Ohio State converts on a BIG pass play!

    The Buckeyes roll the dice on 3rd down with a deep ball to Jeremiah Smith and it pays off for a huge 55 yard gain!

    That will all but close it with another set of downs at the 2-minute timeout.

  • Ohio State still in control

    Even amid the chaos, the Buckeyes are basically one or two first downs away from clinching the title.

    Big 3rd and 11 comes with 2:45 left.

  • Leonard to Greathouse is the key

    This Notre Dame comeback bid is the entire backside of the passing game coming to life with QB Riley Leonard finding his target in Jaden Greathouse.

    Greathouse has 5 catches for 11 yards and 2 TDs so far.

  • Touchdown Notre Dame!

    Riley Leonard to … who else? … Jaden Greathouse for a 30-yard pinpoint TD pass!

    And the 2-point attempt is GOOD to make it a one-score game with 4:15 to play.

    Ohio State 31, Notre Dame 23

  • Notre Dame’s passing game comes alive

    Suddenly, Riley Leonard slings it out there as the Irish have quickly crossed midfield again.

    Can they convert it into points this time?

  • Ohio State beats it

    For the first time today, Ohio State knocks it off. Obviously a crucial stop by the Notre Dame defense there. ND ball with 6:25 to play for the national title.

  • Did ND make the right decision to kick?

    Many on social media are critical of Notre Dame’s decision to try a short field goal themselves when down 16 in the 4th quarter.

    It was 4th and goal from 9. Would you have

  • Notre Dame FG NO GOOD!

    Mitch Jeter’s 27 yard attempt hits the upright and a thrilling drive ends in nothing for Notre Dame!

  • ND moves chains on 4th down!

    Riley Leonard makes another big pass to Jaden Greathouse to convert on 4th and 5.

    Notre Dame does just enough to keep this game interesting.