Atlanta, GA — There’s something poetic about chasing history under the bright lights of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Marcus Freeman’s Notre Dame squad stands on the brink of greatness, just one win away from snapping a 37-year championship drought. But this isn’t just any game—it’s a heavyweight clash with Ryan Day’s Ohio State, a team that’s been nothing short of a juggernaut all season (except week 14).

For Notre Dame fans, the wait has been long enough. At the pre-game presser on January 18th, ESPN’s Chris Fowler didn’t hold back, reminding Freeman of the Irish’s title dry spell in the bluntest way possible. The exchange? Oh, it set the tone for the championship showdown.

Chris Fowler, ever the smooth operator, threw out what felt like a subtle jab disguised as a question. “It’s been a long time at Notre Dame since 1988,” Fowler started, the shade almost visible. “So, what is the opportunity and the responsibility of your team being….one to end that drought? How does it frame the challenge on Monday for them?” 

Freeman didn’t blink. With a sly smirk, he responded with the calm confidence of a man who’d been here before. “Yeah, we’re grateful. We’re grateful for the opportunity,” Freeman began. “The reality is that you know, it’s been since 1988 since this program has won a national championship. But every year since then, the goal is to win a national championship. Just because you haven’t won doesn’t mean that the goal doesn’t change each season.” Ain’t gonna lie, Marcus Freeman handles it with class. But the last time Notre Dame came close to winning the natty was in 2013 against Bama. Nick Saban’s Bama literally rag-dolled Notre Dame for 4 straight quarters on national television, making the game 42-14.

Since then, Notre Dame has made two playoff appearances. They were soundly defeated by Clemson 31-3 in the 2018 Cotton Bowl and then suffered a 31-14 loss to Alabama in the 2020 Rose Bowl. Marcus Freeman then continued, “We’ve done a good enough job to now be in this position. We know if we win, we’ve got a chance to be national champions. But what I don’t want our group to do is put unnecessary pressure on themselves.” That wasn’t your average, typical coach-speak. It was a straight message: don’t let the weight of history cloud your game.

Notre Dame’s journey to the national title game has been anything but smooth. Back in Week 2, they suffered an embarrassing 16-14 loss to unranked Northern Illinois, prompting fans and analysts to count them out. But Freeman and his squad had other plans. Instead of crumbling, the Irish went on a tear, winning 13 straight games. And they went on to beat Curt ‘Google me’ Cignetti’s Indiana, Kirby Smart’s Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, and James Franklin’s Penn State in the Orange Bowl. Can Marcus Freeman put an end to 37 years of misery?

How can Marcus Freeman finally end the drought?

Look, beating Ohio State is like beating prime Real Madrid. They simply ain’t gonna fold. Ryan Day’s mighty Ohio State Buckeyes are literally the pound-for-pound No.1 squad, dripped with talents in every position. They got 5 stars warming the bench. To pull off this monumental W, Notre Dame needs to check three crucial boxes:

Protect QB Riley Leonard like he’s the last piece of pizza: Ohio State’s defense doesn’t play—they’ve got 51 sacks this season. If Leonard gets even a whiff of trouble, it’s curtains. But here’s the catch: the Buckeyes’ two losses came when they couldn’t sack the quarterback. Protect Leonard, and the Irish might just have a shot.

Feed Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price: Notre Dame’s bread and butter is the run game. With Ohio State allowing just 89.9 rushing yards per game, this battle in the trenches is gonna be a straight war. Price and Love have to hit the ground running—literally—or it’s game over.

Force turnovers like your life depends on it: Ohio State’s Will Howard has been slick in the playoffs, but even he’s fumbled under pressure. The Buckeyes haven’t coughed up three turnovers in a game since October 2023, but if Notre Dame can force two, they might just tilt the scales in their favor.

In Ohio State’s two losses this season, turnovers played a key role. So, can Marcus Freeman’s Irish finally snap the 37-year drought? Or will Ryan Day’s Buckeyes cement their dynasty? Monday night will tell the tale, and it’s bound to be one for the ages.