In a season that seemed on the brink of collapse, the Ohio State Buckeyes delivered an unforgettable performance, claiming the 2024-25 College Football Playoff National Championship with their 34-23 victory over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Their win made color commentator (and Ohio State alum) Kirk Herbstreit emotional during a postgame interview.
Kirk Herbstreit’s Emotional Connection With Ohio State
It wasn’t just a win — it silenced the critics who doubted the team after a crushing loss to the Michigan Wolverines. The national championship wasn’t just another call for Herbstreit, the former Ohio State quarterback and longtime ESPN analyst. Sharing the booth with Chris Fowler, Herbstreit maintained his sentiments throughout the game.
However, when the final whistle blew, his objectivity gave way to raw emotions. Speaking on SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt afterward, Herbstreit was visibly moved, his eyes brimming with tears as he reflected on Ohio State’s arduous journey.
Herbstreit shared, “They went to hell and back. We can try to make this sound soft, but I talk to these players, I talk to these coaches. I know what they faced after that Michigan loss. I know the pain.”
Herbstreit’s pride extended to head coach Ryan Day, who faced criticism after the loss to Michigan. Many fans called for Day’s dismissal, questioning his leadership during one of the program’s crucial moments. However, Herbstreit commended Day’s perseverance, saying, “He just handled it, took the high road, didn’t say anything, went out and got his team ready to play four games, and they won them.”
Despite his attempts to remain impartial, Herbstreit admitted, “When I call these games, I’m incredibly objective. I love all of these Ohio State teams, but this team, because of what they went through to get to this point, you’re just happy.”
For Herbstreit, Ohio State’s triumph was deeply personal. Born and raised in Centerville, Ohio, Herbstreit’s connection to the Buckeyes runs deep. As the QB for the team from 1989 to 1993, he experienced the highs and lows of college football firsthand. His ties to the program grew even stronger when his sons, Jake and Zak, walked on at Ohio State.
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While his role as a broadcaster demands impartiality, moments like these reveal the profound impact the team has on his life. Later in the interview, he said, “They just kept on talking about each other. It was the coaches. It was those guys in that locker room that believed that they could make this run.”
The team’s November 2024 loss to Michigan left fans disheartened and critics questioning the program’s direction. The defeat became a defining moment, casting doubt over their playoff chances.
Instead of succumbing to the negativity, the Buckeyes embarked on a historic playoff run.
Ohio State Overcame Their Previous Setback
During the game, the Fighting Irish struck first, with QB Riley Leonard rushing for a touchdown to give Notre Dame an early 7-0 lead. However, the Buckeyes quickly scored 31 unanswered points.
Quinshon Judkins, the team’s standout running back, delivered a stellar performance with 121 scrimmage yards and three TDs.
QB Will Howard also left his mark, starting the game with an astounding 13 consecutive completions, a new CFP National Championship record. He finished with 231 passing yards and two TDs, demonstrating composure under the pressure of the title game. Ohio State’s defense complemented their offensive firepower, limiting Notre Dame’s scoring opportunities until the latter stages of the game.
The Fighting Irish attempted to mount a comeback late in the third quarter when WR Jaden Greathouse scored to break their drought. While Notre Dame’s late surge added tension, the Buckeyes held their ground. A field goal from kicker Jayden Fielding in the game’s final moments sealed the 34-23 victory and sent Ohio State fans into a frenzy.
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