Key Takeaways:

• Ohio State and Notre Dame will face each other in the national championship game, concluding an unprecedented college football season.
• This championship marks the final game of the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff format.
• Both teams feature rich football histories, with Ohio State seeking their first title since 2014 and Notre Dame last clinching the championship in 1988.
• Notre Dame's head coach Marcus Freeman could become the first African American coach to win the national championship at the FBS level.
• Kickoff is set for Monday at 7:30 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with the game airing on ESPN.

The 2024 College Football Playoff has built up to an exciting conclusion as the Ohio State Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish prepare to clash for the national title. This championship game will be held on January 20 at the iconic Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, marking the end of an extended and often unpredictable season. Notably, this will be the first championship game in the expanded playoff format, which now includes 12 teams, creating opportunities that were previously hard to come by.

Ohio State, currently seeded eighth, has demonstrated their prowess throughout the playoffs, managing an impressive combined victory margin of 59 points across their playoff games while defeating top teams including South Carolina and Texas. After a season defined by dramatic highs and lows, the Buckeyes are determined to solidify their legacy with another championship.

On the other hand, the seventh-seeded Notre Dame enters the game having gained momentum throughout the season despite an early upset loss to Northern Illinois, which would have ended their championship hopes under the previous four-team playoff format. Their recent wins against Indiana, Georgia, and Penn State in the playoffs showcased the team’s resilience and growth.

With both teams boasting powerful fanbases and storied legacies in college football, this matchup not only promises fierce competition but also a showcase of talent. Stars to watch include Ohio State's freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and Notre Dame's dual-threat quarterback Riley Leonard.

Degrees of play styles shape this anticipated clash; the Buckeyes are known for their explosive offense, while the Irish bring a stellar defense into the match. The outcome could hinge on which team manages to execute their game plan better, particularly in protecting the ball and making critical plays. As Ohio State aims for its third title of the century, and Notre Dame strives to reclaim glory, the stakes are undeniably high.

Fans can catch the game live on ESPN and watch to see which team will emerge as the first champion of college football's new era.

For more updates and live scores, keep an eye on various sports news platforms.