Notre Dame and Ohio State have met just eight times in their history before today’s game. The balance favors the Buckeyes with six wins, compared to just two for the Fighting Irish. Of those matchups, only two have been in bowl games, both resulting in Ohio State victories. What about their last triumphs?
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The last time Notre Dame won a National Championship
The last time the Notre Dame Fighting Irish won a national championship in college football was in 1988. Under the leadership of head coach Lou Holtz, the team finished the season with a perfect 12-0 record.
Key Highlights of the 1988 Championship:
- Signature Game: Notre Dame’s victory over No. 1-ranked Miami, known as the “Catholics vs. Convicts” game, was a pivotal moment in the season. The Fighting Irish won 31-30 in a thrilling contest.
- National Championship Game: Notre Dame secured the title by defeating West Virginia 34-21 in the Fiesta Bowl on January 2, 1989.
- Heisman Trophy: Although Notre Dame didn’t have the Heisman winner that year, several players, such as Tony Rice (quarterback) and Rocket Ismail (receiver), were standout performers.
The last time Ohio State Buckeyes won a National Championship
The last time the Ohio State Buckeyes won a national championship in college football was in 2014. They captured the title during the inaugural College Football Playoff (CFP) under head coach Urban Meyer.
Key Highlights of the 2014 Championship:
- Big Ten Championship Game: Ohio State crushed Wisconsin 59-0, which helped secure their spot in the CFP.
- CFP Semifinal: Ohio State defeated No. 1-ranked Alabama 42-35 in the Sugar Bowl.
- National Championship Game: The Buckeyes dominated Oregon 42-20 on January 12, 2015, behind a stellar performance by running back Ezekiel Elliott, who rushed for 246 yards and four touchdowns.