The Ohio State Buckeyes secured the college football national championship with a resounding 34-23 victory over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, a triumph punctuated by standout performances from key players and a pervasive sense of faith and gratitude. Quarterback Will Howard and defensive end Jack Sawyer, instrumental in Ohio State’s playoff run, both publicly acknowledged their faith and expressed gratitude to God following the win. This victory marked the culmination of a season marked by dedication, resilience, and a shared belief in a higher power.
Will Howard, who transferred from Kansas State, delivered a stellar performance in the championship game, throwing two touchdown passes and executing a critical third-down completion to Jeremiah Smith to seal the victory. As confetti rained down in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Howard’s first words were of praise and thanks to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He acknowledged the support of his teammates, family, and community in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, recognizing the collaborative effort that propelled him and the Buckeyes to the championship. Later, upon receiving the Offensive MVP award, Howard reiterated his gratitude to God, expressing his joy at being given the opportunity to play for Ohio State.
Jack Sawyer, a force on the defensive line, echoed Howard’s sentiments, attributing the team’s success to their unwavering faith. He described the championship win as the realization of a shared vision, a goal the team set upon deciding to return for another season. Sawyer highlighted the team’s ability to navigate challenges and adversity, emphasizing their belief that God was with them throughout their journey. Their collective perseverance and faith propelled them to overcome obstacles and achieve their ultimate goal. Sawyer’s scoop-and-score play in the semifinal against Texas proved crucial in setting the stage for their championship run.
Defensive MVP Cody Simon added his voice to the chorus of gratitude, acknowledging the special work of God within the team. He emphasized the team’s unity and commitment, highlighting the collective buy-in and hard work that underpinned their championship season. The shared faith and dedication resonated throughout the team, creating a strong bond and a sense of purpose that drove them to victory.
The championship game itself was a testament to the faith displayed by both teams. Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard had previously spoken about the prominent role of faith within both teams, suggesting that their shared belief in God had guided them to the national title game. He viewed the matchup as a divine appointment, a platform for both teams to publicly showcase their faith. Leonard believed that a higher power had orchestrated their paths to the championship game for a specific reason, highlighting the spiritual dimension of their journey.
The Buckeyes’ journey to the championship was marked by several key moments. Howard’s transfer from Kansas State and his subsequent leadership on the field proved pivotal. Sawyer’s defensive prowess and timely plays, including the crucial scoop-and-score against Texas, provided a significant boost. Simon’s defensive leadership earned him the Defensive MVP award, further solidifying the team’s defensive strength. These individual contributions, combined with the team’s shared faith and unwavering dedication, culminated in their national championship victory. The team’s ability to overcome adversity, maintain their focus, and rely on their faith served as the bedrock of their success. The championship win represents a testament to their resilience, their belief in one another, and their shared faith. Their story serves as a powerful example of the impact of faith, teamwork, and perseverance in achieving a common goal.
