The Ohio State University Buckeyes are national champions after defeating Notre Dame 34-23 in the College Football Playoff national championship game on Monday night. It was the first college football championship game played under the new 12-team format implemented this season.

For the ninth time in history, the Ohio State Buckeyes are on top. Despite Notre Dame’s efforts for a last-minute comeback, Ohio State held onto the lead and secured a 34-23 win. An opening drive touchdown and early lead gave Notre Dame fans a sense of false hope as the National Championship game quickly spiraled into a disaster for the Fighting Irish.

Ohio State quarterback Will Howard connected on his first 13 passes against Notre Dame to set the record for consecutive completions in a College Football Playoff championship game.

Will Howard was surrounded by higher-profile players at Ohio State, but in the end he tied the Buckeyes' national title run together.

Follow Ohio State vs. Notre Dame live updates, scores and highlights from the national championship game. Sometimes, coaches get so concerned with being crafty they forget to do what makes sense. So it was in the second half of Notre Dame vs Ohio State in the national championship game,