Ohio State holds off Notre Dame for College Football Playoff crown

21 Jan 2025, 04:53 by Alex Butler · UPI

ATLANTA, Jan. 20 (UPI) -- Ohio State weathered a punishing Notre Dame opening drive with smothering defense for the majority of the College Football Playoff finale, but needed to squash a late rally to claim the crown Monday in Atlanta.

Running back Quinshon Judkins scored three touchdowns in the 34-23 triumph at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Quarterback Will Howard -- who completed his first 13 passes against the nation's No. 2 pass defense to set a record for consecutive completions in a title game -- threw two touchdown tosses.