Ball Girl #127: Byeeee College Football

From Long Shot to Top Dog: How Ohio State Defied the Odds and Took the CFP Crown

ICYMI: College football just gave us a championship game for the ages, and Ohio State wrote the kind of script Hollywood wouldn’t dare. The Buckeyes—yes, the same team that had two regular-season losses (a death sentence in the old playoff system)—stormed into the first-ever 12-team playoff as a long shot and walked out with a 34-23 win over Notre Dame, their first title in a decade. For most of Monday night, it was a Buckeye beatdown, with transfer QB Will Howard slinging darts, freshman star Jeremiah Smith proving why he’s already a household name, and Quinshon Judkins torching Notre Dame’s defense like it owed him money. But just as it looked like Ohio State was ready to dance on the Irish grave, Notre Dame came roaring back, cutting a 31-7 blowout to a one-score game with just minutes left. Cue Howard’s “are-you-kidding-me” deep bomb to Smith to seal the deal and send Buckeye fans into orbit.

Why does this matter? Because in the old four-team playoff, two-loss teams like Ohio State wouldn’t even get an invite to the dance. They’d be left watching from home, still stinging from their loss to Michigan. But this year’s expanded bracket gave them a second chance, and boy, did they cash it in. For Notre Dame, the heartbreak hits harder—they keep getting close but still can’t grab the big prize. And for college football as a whole? The debate is on: Does the new playoff create wild, feel-good chaos like this, or does it just hand the keys to the same old “blue bloods” (the rich, powerful programs that already run the sport)? Either way, this season gave us drama, redemption, and rivalries to keep us buzzing until next year. See you soon, CFP!

Time Out for the TEA- CFP Edition

College Football Playoffs = the new MET Red Carpet

Stars were out in full force for the Notre Dame-Ohio State national championship game, turning Atlanta into the sports world’s hottest ticket Monday night. Lakers icon LeBron James, repping Ohio State gear, held court from a luxury box while Phillies slugger Bryce Harper mingled on the field pregame. Notre Dame’s side had a Hall of Fame glow, with legends like Jerome Bettis and Joe Montana cheering on the Irish. Bettis, serving as honorary captain alongside Buckeye great Archie Griffin, recorded a hopeful pregame message—but alas, his prayer went unanswered. As the Buckeyes hoisted the trophy, the celeb-studded showdown only added to the spectacle of college football’s biggest night.

Forget Rom-Coms…Ever Seen a Rom-Sports Movie? Well, You Have Now

When Will Howard launched the pass that sealed Ohio State’s national championship, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium wasn’t the only thing buzzing. His girlfriend, Lauren Leiker, was caught on camera in full rom-com heroine mode: hand on her chest, tears streaming, and shouting, “Oh my God!” like the lead in a sports-meets-love story. Rocking a chic red-and-white moto jacket, she celebrated the moment alongside Howard’s parents, proving that behind every clutch quarterback is someone who feels every pass just as deeply. From college sweethearts at Kansas State to the biggest stage in football, this was their fairytale ending—cue the credits (and maybe a Taylor Swift song).