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 eighth-seeded Ohio State Buckeyes held off a late rally from No. 7 seed Notre Dame to win their ninth national title, 34-23, and become the first champion of the 12-team playoff.

Atlanta, Ga. - Ohio State beat Notre Dame 34-23 to claim college football ’s national championship in a game that methodically got away from the Fighting Irish (14-2). The team that did seemingly everything right during a 13-game winning streak had few answers Monday night against the Buckeyes (14-2).