After the primary yr of the expanded 12-team playoff, the nationwide championship recreation is nearly able to kick off.
Notre Dame (14-1) will attempt to win its first nationwide championship since 1988 when it performs Ohio State on Monday evening (7:30 p.m. ET) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
The Preventing Irish defeated Penn State within the Orange Bowl to advance to the nationwide championship.
Ohio State (13-2) is on the lookout for its first championship since 2014. The Buckeyes defeated the Texas Longhorns within the Cotton Bowl to achieve the title recreation.
Each Notre Dame and Ohio State have plentiful expertise on their roster, which ought to make for an thrilling recreation. Every crew additionally has a number of gamers followers will watch within the NFL subsequent season.
Let’s check out six gamers to regulate throughout Monday evening’s contest.
EMEKA EGBUKA, WR, OHIO STATE
At 6-1 and 205 kilos, Egbuka is a easy route runner who wins his one-on-one matchups along with his footwork and skill to alter instructions after separating from protection. His recreation is just like that of Jets receiver Garrett Wilson, who additionally performed at Ohio State. Each gamers use variations of routes to realize benefits in protection, particularly within the slot.
In 15 video games, Egbuka caught 75 passes for 947 yards and 10 touchdowns. Egbuka will possible be a late first-round to an early second-round decide in April’s draft. There are questions on whether or not Egbuka can be utilized as an out of doors receiver on the subsequent degree, however he has proven he generally is a constant playmaker within the slot.
RILEY LEONARD, QB, NOTRE DAME
Leonard is likely one of the nation’s finest twin threats on the quarterback place. He handed for two,606 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 15 video games. He additionally rushed for 866 yards and 16 speeding TDs.
Whereas Leonard has playmaking talents, his decision-making has been questionable at instances. He’s an honest passer contained in the pocket. Nonetheless, when Leonard will get pressured, he tends to make ill-advised selections and makes an attempt to throw himself out of sacks. That’s why Leonard is probably going a Day 3 decide.
Leonard will face an Ohio State protection that’s tops within the nation in yards allowed (251.1) and third in sacks (51). If the Preventing Irish are going to drag off the upset, Leonard must use his arm and legs to create performs towards a stout Buckeyes protection.
TREVEYON HENDERSON, RB, OHIO STATE
In case your crew wants a operating again, Henderson may very well be an awesome match. He has good pace and, at 5-10, 212 kilos, is a stout ball provider who can flip a five-yard run into a possible lengthy landing.
Henderson has rushed for 967 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 7.3 yards per carry. He splits carries with Quinshon Judkins, who has rushed for 12 touchdowns. Henderson is probably going a Day 2 decide within the draft.
Notre Dame’s protection permits 133 yards per recreation on the bottom. If the Preventing Irish can include Henderson and the Buckeyes’ floor assault, they might probably get quarterback Will Howard and the Ohio State offense in favorable Third-and-long conditions.
HOWARD CROSS III, DL, NOTRE DAME
If the title sounds acquainted, it ought to. Cross is the son of former NFL tight finish Howard Cross, who performed 13 seasons and received a Tremendous Bowl with the Giants.
In contrast to his dad, the youthful Cross, who’s 6-1, 288 kilos, performs on the defensive aspect of the ball. In 12 video games, Cross has 27 tackles and 4 sacks for the Preventing Irish.
Cross is undersized in comparison with most defensive linemen, however he has ok lateral motion to win one-on-one matchups and get stress on quarterbacks. He initiatives to be a late-round draft decide.
XAVIER WATTS, SAFETY, NOTRE DAME
Watts will play his closing collegiate recreation on Monday evening. His excellent collegiate resume contains being named to 2 All-American groups (2023-24) and capturing the 2023 Bronko Nagurski Trophy given to the very best defensive participant in school soccer.
This season, Watts has registered 74 tackles and 6 interceptions. He’s a security with a excessive motor who can play each the run and the go effectively.
Watts can be a bodily security who excels in zone schemes, which ought to salivate scouts and common managers. He might probably be a candidate for the 2025 NFL Defensive Rookie of the 12 months award.
JEREMIAH SMITH, WR, OHIO STATE
I saved the very best for final, though Smith received’t be eligible for the NFL Draft for an additional two years. However at simply 19 years previous, Smith is already the very best broad receiver within the nation.
The 6-3, 215-pound star from Miami Gardens was the highest recruit within the nation a yr in the past. Ohio State knew Smith may very well be particular, however I’m undecided they anticipated him to be this good this quick.
Smith has registered 71 catches for 1,227 yards and 14 touchdowns in 15 video games for the Buckeyes. He was a first-team All-American and was named the Large Ten Receiver of the 12 months.
Smith is coming off a quiet efficiency towards Texas, ending with one catch for 3 years. Longhorn defenders bracketed Smith your complete recreation to forestall massive go performs towards them. Per week earlier, within the victory towards Oregon, Smith completed with seven catches for 187 yards and two touchdowns and was named Rose Bowl MVP.
Notre Dame is second within the nation in passing protection (165.3), however they haven’t performed towards a gifted duo with the expertise of Smith and Egbuka.
