Heartbreak in South Bend: Who’s to Blame for Notre Dame’s National Championship Shortfall?
As the echoes of a nail-biting showdown fade into the January night, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish find themselves haunted by a bitter truth: the program’s dreams of hoisting its first national championship trophy since 1988 have once again slipped away. For a team that had captured the hearts of college football fans as a gutsy underdog, their valiant comeback effort against Ohio State in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game was simply not enough.
The Stage Was Set for Greatness
Notre Dame wasn’t supposed to be here. After an early-season stumble against Northern Illinois—a game that led many to write off their title hopes—Marcus Freeman’s squad defied the odds, roaring back into contention with a tenacity that epitomized the Fighting Irish spirit. Fans rallied behind their team as it clawed its way through the postseason, toppling formidable foes like Penn State in a semifinal thriller.
But against Ohio State, the magic ran out. The Irish fell behind by 24 points in the first half, and despite a spirited second-half rally that electrified the nation, the hole proved too deep. While the pain of defeat will linger, so too will the urge to assign blame. Let’s take a closer look at three individuals and units that shoulder some of the responsibility for Notre Dame’s heartbreaking loss.
3. Jeremiyah Love: The Silent Star
In a season defined by his game-breaking ability, running back Jeremiyah Love had become the heartbeat of Notre Dame’s offense. Even playing on a “bum wheel” in the semifinal against Penn State, he delivered highlight-reel moments that fueled the Irish’s upset victory. Yet, when the lights shone brightest, Love’s contributions vanished into the shadows.
Heading into the championship game, Love assured reporters he felt healthier than he had in weeks. Fans clung to the hope that their star would once again rise to the occasion. Instead, he managed a mere three yards on four carries, leaving quarterback Riley Leonard to shoulder the load in a one-dimensional offense.
While Notre Dame’s patchwork offensive line deserves part of the blame for Love’s ineffectiveness, it doesn’t excuse his inability to make something out of nothing—a skill he had showcased all season. Whether due to lingering injury or a lack of confidence, Love’s lackluster performance was a glaring disappointment in a game where heroes were desperately needed.
2. Defensive Line: Pushed Around and Outplayed
For much of the season, Notre Dame’s defensive line had been a fortress, anchoring a defense that ranked among the nation’s best. But against a battered Ohio State offensive line—one missing key starters like Josh Simmons and Seth McLaughlin—it crumbled under the weight of the moment.
Ohio State’s patchwork O-line dominated the trenches, paving the way for a relentless rushing attack. The Irish defenders struggled to contain Ohio State’s stable of backs, with players like Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson finding gaping holes to exploit. The defensive line’s failure to create pressure left the second level of the defense scrambling to pick up the pieces.
The absence of Riley Mills, a stalwart on Notre Dame’s defensive front, was undoubtedly a factor. But great teams adapt, and the Irish didn’t. In a game where physicality was paramount, Notre Dame’s D-line was outmuscled and outmaneuvered, allowing Ohio State to control the tempo and dictate the game.
1. Al Golden: Outcoached by Chip Kelly
If there’s one person who shouldered the heaviest burden in this loss, it’s defensive coordinator Al Golden. Tasked with slowing down one of the most explosive offenses in college football, Golden was thoroughly outclassed by Ohio State head coach Chip Kelly, particularly in the first half.
Kelly’s offensive game plan was a masterclass in exploiting Notre Dame’s weaknesses. He capitalized on the Irish’s tendency to play man coverage, orchestrating precise routes and matchups that left the defense flailing. Ohio State’s third-down efficiency in the first half—a perfect 6-for-6—was a testament to Kelly’s ability to anticipate and outmaneuver Golden at every turn.
The critical moment came late in the fourth quarter when Golden dialed up an ill-advised zero blitz on third down. With the Irish clawing their way back into contention, the aggressive call left the secondary exposed and allowed Ohio State to convert, effectively sealing Notre Dame’s fate.
While Notre Dame’s offense struggled to find its rhythm early, Golden’s inability to adapt and counter Kelly’s strategy was the fatal flaw in a game that demanded perfection.
A Season to Remember, A Loss to Learn From
Despite the heartbreak, Notre Dame’s season deserves to be celebrated. This was a team that overcame adversity, captured the imagination of fans, and proved it belonged among college football’s elite. Yet, for all the magic, the championship loss serves as a stark reminder of how unforgiving the sport can be.
As the Irish look to the future, the blame game will inevitably give way to introspection and growth. For Marcus Freeman, Jeremiyah Love, Al Golden, and the rest of the team, this defeat will sting. But it will also serve as fuel—a painful but powerful motivator to ensure that the next time Notre Dame finds itself on this stage, the ending will be different.
