Ohio State Wins First 12-Team College Football Playoff Championship
The Buckeyes defeated Notre Dame 34-23 in a historic title game, capping off a season that showcased the expanded playoff format's impact.
- Ohio State claimed the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff championship with a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame, securing their place as the top team of the 2024 season.
- The expanded playoff format highlighted increased opportunities for teams like SMU, Boise State, and Iowa State, while also raising questions about the impact of first-round byes on top-seeded teams.
- Notre Dame's strong 13-game winning streak ended in the title game, but the Fighting Irish are projected to remain playoff contenders in 2025 under head coach Marcus Freeman, who has seen significant growth in his role.
- Key players like Ohio State's freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and safety Caleb Downs made decisive contributions, underscoring the importance of NIL investments in building championship-caliber rosters.
- The Big Ten's back-to-back championships and the absence of SEC teams in the title game reflect a shifting landscape in college football's power dynamics.
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