ATLANTA — Last night marked the culmination of the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, and what a night it was! Here are my reflections on the tense and exhilarating showdown that saw Ohio State emerge victorious yet again.

1. A Shift in Narrative

Just a few weeks ago, following Michigan's fourth consecutive victory against Ohio State on December 4, a reader provocatively questioned whether fans would welcome coach Ryan Day back with open arms if he clinched a national championship. I confidently replied that the narrative around him would shift, adding, “But let’s be real; the Buckeyes are not going to win the national championship.” Little did I know how wrong I would be!

2. The Road to Glory

Fast forward to now: Ohio State has indeed claimed the national title! Boasting a formidable roster brimming with talent, the Buckeyes (14-2) had been primed for this moment ever since their key juniors opted to stay back rather than jump to the NFL. But their path to glory was anything but straightforward—just like they enjoy it.

3. A Powerful Opening

The championship match began with Notre Dame (14-2) delivering a powerful opening statement, executing an 18-play, 9:45 touchdown drive that seemed to chill the Ohio State sidelines. However, the Buckeyes, led by an almost flawless performance from quarterback Will Howard, quickly turned the tide, scoring on their first four possessions. They built an impressive 31-7 lead before Notre Dame rallied with some late-game drama.

4. A Sea of Support

It was remarkable to see the sea of scarlet and gray at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. An estimated 45,000 Buckeyes fans cheered as Day lifted the championship trophy, a far cry from the same group who questioned his leadership just a matter of weeks prior. His transformation from public enemy No. 1 to champion is a testament to the unpredictable nature of college football.

5. High Stakes

The pressure for Ohio State was further heightened by their value in the NIL realm, with athletic director Ross Bjork publicly stating that the football team was worth around $20 million. This announcement raised expectations sky-high. Day had to navigate this pressure, which, it seems, worked in their favor as they ultimately rose to the challenge.

6. Extra Practice Time

Strangely enough, the Buckeyes might have gained from their absence from the Big Ten championship game. The coaching staff was granted extra practice time to refine their strategy and unleash their remarkable arsenal of talent, culminating in a flawless four-game run through the playoffs against top-tier opponents.

7. Notre Dame's Journey

Notre Dame’s head coach, Marcus Freeman, reached the national championship in his third season, which is no small feat. He recognized the disappointment of his players but later highlighted how their performance forced the national audience to take them seriously. The days of underestimating Notre Dame are over!

8. A Contrast to 2012

The stark contrast to their last national championship appearance in 2012 was evident. Unlike that game, where they were quickly overwhelmed by Alabama, this time Notre Dame showcased that they could compete at a high level, even coming within a breath of stealing the lead.

9. Controversial Decisions

Controversially, Freeman’s decision to kick a field goal when down 31-15 puzzled many, but the Notre Dame coach stood by his assessment that it was a long shot to convert on fourth-and-goal from the 9-yard line. Nonetheless, the Irish remained in contention until the end with a remarkable effort from quarterback Riley Leonard and receiver Jaden Greathouse.

10. Star Performers

On the night, Howard was a revelation for Ohio State, a transfer from Kansas State, but Leonard of Notre Dame proved to be a worthy adversary, showing off skill sets that make him an asset to the team moving forward.

11. A Historic Achievement

Remarkably, this marks the first back-to-back national championships for the Big Ten since 1966 — a historical milestone underscoring the conference's resurgence in recent seasons. Michigan and Ohio State have re-established their dominance, proving to be formidable forces in college football.

12. A Thrilling Conclusion

As we bid farewell to the inaugural 12-team playoff, it's clear that ESPN and fans alike got a thrilling showcase of college football. The initial round might have fallen flat, but the playoffs concluded with heart-stopping moments, culminating in a championship that will be remembered for years to come.

It’s been a wild ride, and as I reflect on this five-month journey, I hope you enjoyed every moment as much as I did. Congratulations, Ohio State—your championship win is just the beginning of what promises to be thrilling times ahead for the Buckeyes!