A four-year wait is finally over for Ohio State and Notre Dame fans in the Midwest. The Buckeyes and Fighting Irish will face off in Atlanta on January 20th, marking the first all-Midwest title game in the BCS or playoff era. The matchup brings together two of college football’s winningest programs, with a history that dates back to 1902.
Notre Dame played its first-ever game against Michigan in Toledo in 1902, which proved to be a formative moment for the program. In 1917, Knute Rockne, who later became the legendary coach at Notre Dame, was on the losing end of a 40-0 drubbing by the Toledo Maroons.
The rivalry between Ohio State and Notre Dame has only grown since then, with the two teams meeting eight times, including a famous game in 1935 that went down to the wire. The Buckeyes ultimately fell short when Bill Shakespeare’s touchdown pass was ruled as in bounds despite being out of bounds, securing an 18-13 win for Notre Dame.
This year’s matchup promises to be just as competitive, with Ryan Day facing off against Lou Holtz and Marcus Freeman going up against his alma mater. The game is expected to draw a large crowd, not just from the local fans but also from around the country, making it one of the most expensive championship games on record.
The stakes are high for both teams, who have a rich history in the Midwest, particularly in Ohio and Michigan. For Toledo residents, this game represents more than just a matchup between two top programs – it’s a chance to see their local hero, Marcus Freeman, face off against his alma mater.
With all these ties that bind, it promises to be an exciting matchup between two of college football’s powerhouses.
Source: https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ohio-state/2025/01/11/briggs-ohio-state-notre-dame-heart-south-dream-title-game/stories/20250111096