• The College Football Playoff national championship features Ohio State against Notre Dame.
• Ohio State aims to win back-to-back titles for the Big Ten for the first time since 1942.
• Both teams arrived in Atlanta, with Notre Dame having prior experience at the venue.
• The Buckeyes are favored by 9.5 points, but Notre Dame's familiarity may level the playing field.
• Ohio State holds the leading record for first-round NFL draft picks, while Notre Dame boasts a strong consensus All-American count.

As anticipation builds for the upcoming College Football Playoff national championship game, both Ohio State and Notre Dame arrived in Atlanta on charter flights in preparation for their matchup. Scheduled for Monday night, this championship could signify a momentous achievement for the Big Ten, granting it back-to-back national titles for the first time since 1942 when Ohio State last claimed the championship.

Ohio State enters the game as 9.5-point favorites, yet Notre Dame may have an advantage with familiarity in navigating the Mercedes-Benz Stadium environment; they triumphed there earlier this season against Georgia Tech in a game that fortified their playoff aspirations. Head coach Marcus Freeman believes that this experience might be beneficial, stating, “We hope so… we know what it’s like” as both teams prepare for the championship showdown with practice sessions at the venue.

Throughout the playoff, Ohio State has exhibited remarkable prowess, having yet to trail in any of their three playoff games, while holding the edge with a nation-leading 91 NFL first-round draft picks. In contrast, Notre Dame ranks fourth with 71. Amidst the competitive tensions, this matchup will not only light up the stage with fanfare but also could reshape narratives surrounding the dominance of the Big Ten versus the storied history of Notre Dame.

In a season adorned with expectations, both coaches expressed their confidence. Ohio State coach Ryan Day pointed out, “I feel the momentum… we’ve continued to get stronger as the season’s gone on,” while Freeman acknowledged the unique thrill of a national championship, noting that the “lights will be brighter” on Monday night.

With fans eagerly awaiting the kickoff, this national championship stands as an emblem of sport's competitive spirit and a potential landmark moment in collegiate football history. For continuous updates and information regarding the game, check out the coverage from both AP News and AP's overview of the championship stats.