Ohio State opened up the 12-team College Football Playoff the same way it opened up the four-team field: holding up a trophy. The Buckeyes knocked off Notre Dame in the championship game, 34-23, to reclaim their spot at the top of college football.

Coach Ryan Day shushed the critics, running back Quinshon Judkins scored three touchdowns, and the No. 8 seed Ohio State Buckeyes held off a furious second-half rally to beat No. 7 seed Notre Dame, 34-23,

The Buckeyes beat the Fighting Irish 34-23 to win the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, their first national championship since the 2014 season