ATLANTA — The stage is set for an explosive showdown at Mercedes-Benz Stadium as Riley Leonard leads Notre Dame into battle against Ohio State in the College Football Playoff National Championship. All eyes are on Leonard, the dynamic Notre Dame quarterback, but lurking in the shadows, ready to pounce, is Ohio State’s defensive ace, Caleb Downs.
Downs, the versatile and unpredictable safety, has become a key weapon for Ohio State this season. Known for his ability to cover the entire field, from deep in the secondary to near the line of scrimmage, Downs is a rare breed — a “unicorn,” as Ohio State cornerbacks coach Tim Walton puts it. His ability to adapt to any situation makes him an immense threat.
For Leonard, this game presents the ultimate challenge. The dual-threat quarterback has been a force on the ground all season, rushing for over 800 yards and 16 touchdowns. He enters the championship game with unmatched confidence, knowing that his running ability has been a game-changer for Notre Dame. But with Downs in a roving, unpredictable role, the cat-and-mouse battle between the two stars is poised to be a defining element of the game.
Downs’ unorthodox positioning in Ohio State’s defense was born out of necessity after a tough midseason loss, and his ability to cover ground and disrupt plays has been integral to the Buckeyes’ success. With a football IQ that rivals any coach’s, Downs has taken his role to new heights, allowing him to lead the nation’s top-scoring defense.
As Notre Dame prepares for what promises to be a brutal clash with Ohio State, the focus is squarely on Leonard’s ability to evade or outsmart Downs. While Leonard has been a force in the running game, Ohio State’s defensive scheme, which allows Downs to roam freely, is tailored to challenge every facet of his game.
This championship showdown is not just a battle of teams but a duel between two of college football’s brightest stars — Leonard’s unrelenting ground game versus Downs’ defensive genius. As both players prepare to square off, their impact on the game could very well determine who leaves Atlanta with the national title.
