WHO DO YOU GOT TONIGHT?

Monday night in Atlanta, Georgia, is the biggest game of this season’s college football season. Notre Dame takes on Ohio State for the College Football Playoff National Championship. This game is the first in the 12-team era. 

Notre Dame comes into the title game 14-1. That lone loss came at the hands of Dekalb's Northern Illinois Huskies squad 16-14 on September 7th. Ohio State, on the other hand, has been expected to have a great season and be in the title tilt. Many preseason polls had the Buckeyes on top. However, a midseason loss at Oregon 32-31 and a fourth straight loss to the team up north Michigan 13-10 to end the regular season made some think Ohio State might not be up to this season’s task.   

While researching any connections in the Roscoe, Rockton, and South Beloit communities related to the championship game, I wondered what the brain trust in our football community thinks of the game. So, I changed my story idea and asked some of them two questions. 

1. Who will win?

2. Why?

Jason Brunke, Head Flag Football and Girls Basketball Coach, Hononegah High School, "hasn’t followed it a ton”, but “I’m leaning Ohio State. I’m a fan of the Big 10.”

Andrew Walters, Athletic Director, Hononegah High School: “I’ve been a Notre Dame fan forever.” Mr Walters and his wife have attended a few games over the years. “He loves the campus and going to games when he can.” 

Brian Zimmerman Head Football Coach Hononegah High School: “I've been following both teams throughout the season and playoffs. I believe that Notre Dame's defense has been playing really well. I like some of their blitz schemes! Ohio State is a very balanced offense, and they can beat you by running the ball or throwing it to some very skilled receivers. When they are on, Ohio State's defense can also be punishing. They are probably still carrying a huge chip from their loss to Michigan. I'm going with an Ohio State win. (Go Big 10)”

Brian LaPier President Roscoe Rockton Junior Indians Football and Cheer programs: “Ohio State is a more put-together team. Notre Dame has a great young coach. I’m going with Ohio State." Brian’s favorite college team is Alabama Brian had a nephew attend Alabama as a student and has family from Alabama.

Sam Cady, Athletic Director, South Beloit High School: “Ohio State has too much firepower for Notre Dame to overcome.”

Josh Redieske, Head Football Coach, South Beloit High School: “We have “play like a champion today” on our locker room wall to touch on OUR way out every day. So I hope Notre Dame wins and Jeremiah Love goes off. But it won’t be easy to stop Wide Receiver Jeremiah Smith and Ohio State's high-powered roster.”

Jacob Mace, Head Football Coach, South Beloit Junior High: “As 8-point favorites, it’s hard not to go with Ohio State. They have the better roster, and Notre Dame’s quarterback Riley Leonard exited last week's game early with a potential concussion, so he may not be 100%. However, that Notre Dame defense is no joke and could slow down the Buckeye offense. I think Ohio State wins, but it will be a closer game than some anticipate.” 

Patrick Rollette is the new Macktown Youth Football President. "Ohio State has top-ranked talent and great coaching up and down the staff. The talent depth is on both lines and in the wide receiver and running back rooms. My heart is pulling for Notre Dame, but Ohio State is too good to stop. Patrick is a big-time Wisconsin fan, and it was hard for him to say nice things about the Buckeyes."

Kickoff for Monday night's College Football Playoff National Championship game is set for 6:30 CT on ESPN.

Go to the Rockton-Roscoe News Facebook page and give us your pick and your thoughts about the game.

Thank you to all who shared their thoughts. I appreciate what you bring to our community and your impact on young people at all levels of football.