The Ohio State football team hasn't been this close to winning a national championship since 2020. In that game, they lost to Alabama in the final game. This time, the Buckeyes have to face off against Notre Dame. No team has been hotter in the CFP than the Buckeyes, though.
Ohio State has run through Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas on their way to the National Championship Game. Notre Dame did not have nearly as tough of a path. The Buckeyes also haven't really been stopped on this run. They have only stopped themselves.
Silly penalties and a bad interception in the Texas game were the only reason that the Longhorns were able to slow them down. The Vols and Ducks didn't slow them down at all. That's why the biggest key for the Buckeyes to win this game is to not beat themselves.
If the Ohio State football team doesn't beat themselves, they'll win a national title
Dumb penalties that stop drives are the only way that Notre Dame can stop the Ohio State offense. That and a stupid turnover. If Ohio State can stop themselves from having those two things, there is no reason that they can't walk out of Atlanta with a national title.
Ohio State is clearly the more talented team between these two teams. More talent doesn't always mean that team wins the game, though. Will Howard knows that better than anyone. He has been underestimated every step of the way in this CFP run.
All he's done is lead the Buckeyes to some explosive offensive outputs. Now, Howard has just one more game to do that in. If he can keep himself from having the one boneheaded throw per game that he usually has, this team is going to be in a great spot to win the title.