As the stage was set for the National Championship game between Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Ohio State Buckeyes, the internet buzzed with predictions and opinions. With 15 games under their belt and the first year of the 12-team playoff, the Irish seem to be ticking all the right boxes. Notre Dame's journey this season has been nothing short of extraordinary. From commemorating the 100th anniversary of their first national championship to overcoming a season filled with injuries, the team has shown a remarkable resilience. The culture shift in college football and the exciting new playoff format add to the perfect storm that could see Notre Dame lift the trophy. But is their tank full enough to take on Ohio State? The Irish have weathered a long season with multiple key players sidelined, and while they've shown depth and grit, the sheer physicality of the Buckeyes might be too much. Let’s dive into why Notre Dame could be the team of destiny this year, and why they might fall short.

The Irish are embracing their destiny this season. After the 2022 team was penned as a "team of destiny, " every game has played out like a chapter in a fairytale. This is the third year under Coach Marcus Freeman, and history shows that great things happen in the third year. Notre Dame legends like Lou Holtz, Dan Devine, Ara Parseghian, and Frank Leahy all won national championships in their third year. Coincidentally, this season also marks the 100th anniversary of Notre Dame's first claimed national championship. The game against Army was a nod to their legacy, highlighting the team's significance in college football history.

Moreover, this season has been a made-for-TV spectacle, including an unexpected loss to Northern Illinois that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The cultural shift and the new playoff format add spice to the mix. Despite all these forces aligning in favor of the Irish, there's a hidden threat lurking in the shadows.

The Irish might be running on empty. The season has been grueling, with injuries piling up one after another. They've lost key players like running back Gi’Bran Payne and defensive tackle Jason Onye, who left for personal reasons. The list of injured players is lengthy, and Notre Dame has had to practice their mantra of "NEXT MAN UP" more than they'd like. They've shown resilience, but the walk to the championship game has been long and arduous. The Penn State game, where Notre Dame was outplayed in the first half, shows the physical toll the season has taken. While they turned the game around, Ohio State might prove to be a challenge too steep.

Notre Dame vs Ohio State: Why the Irish Might be Heading Home with a Trophy

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