ATLANTA (AP) — Coaches Marcus Freeman of Notre Dame and Ryan Day of Ohio State don’t believe in the dramatic pregame speeches that are often glorified in movies. Both coaches stated that they have no special plans for their final words in the locker room before the College Football Playoff championship game on Monday night. Their message to the players will be to stay focused and continue executing what has brought them to this point.
Freeman emphasized the importance of sticking to their game plan and facing their formidable opponent with passion and determination. Day echoed this sentiment, mentioning that the emotional buildup for the game starts well before the final moments in the locker room.
Notre Dame kicker Mitch Jeter overcame hip and groin injuries just in time for the playoffs, with help from daily treatments and support from his chiropractor father. Jeter’s improved performance in the playoffs has been crucial for the Fighting Irish.
Freeman, who has ties to Ohio State having played for the Buckeyes and coached against them in the past, emphasized that the focus should be on the current opportunity and not his connections to his alma mater.
Several players from Georgia are on the Ohio State roster, adding an extra layer of excitement for the championship game being held in Atlanta. Day highlighted the players’ enthusiasm for playing in their home state and the significance of the game being in Atlanta.
In this inaugural year of the expanded 12-team playoff format, Notre Dame has secured the No. 7 seed while Ohio State clinched the No. 8 spot. This development marks a significant shift from the past decade dominated by the four-team playoff system. Notably, only once before have two lower-seeded teams made it to the championship game – a memorable showdown in 2018 that saw No. 4 Alabama triumph over No. 3 Georgia in a thrilling 26-23 victory held in Atlanta.
Adding a layer of intrigue to the upcoming clash is Ohio State’s impressive track record against Notre Dame, having emerged victorious in their last six encounters. With a series lead of 6-2, the Buckeyes showcase a formidable history against the Fighting Irish. Furthermore, Ohio State’s presence as the first two-loss team to vie for the championship title adds an element of unpredictability to the impending showdown.
As the stage is set for the championship game, it is worth noting the geographical proximity of the contending teams. This matchup marks the third College Football Playoff championship game featuring teams from neighboring states. Alabama and Georgia set the precedent in 2017 and 2021, and now, Notre Dame (Indiana) and Ohio State are poised to continue this regional rivalry, with their campuses separated by a mere 251 miles.
The convergence of history, rivalry, and a novel playoff format sets the scene for a compelling championship clash that promises to captivate college football enthusiasts. Stay tuned for the latest updates and insights on the AP Top 25 rankings throughout the season by signing up for poll alerts. For comprehensive coverage of college football news, visit AP college football at https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football.
This evolving narrative in college football exemplifies the sport’s ability to transcend boundaries, spark fervent debates, and unite fans in anticipation of exhilarating matchups. Embrace the spirit of competition and witness the unfolding drama as Notre Dame and Ohio State prepare to etch their names in the annals of football history.
