ATLANTA -- It's nearly impossible to predict what will decide Monday night's College Football Playoff Championship between Notre Dame and Ohio State, but one individual matchup could carry plenty of weight. That involves the No. 7 seed Fighting Irish (14-1) trying to shut down Ohio State star freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith, which Texas did in the semifinals. The Longhorns limited Smith to one catch for 3 yards after he racked up 13 receptions for 290 yards and four touchdowns in the Buckeyes' first two playoff wins over Tennessee and Oregon. Texas put as many as three defenders around Smith to keep him in check, but eighth-seeded Ohio State (13-2) prevailed 28-14 at the Cotton Bowl on Jan.
Top defenses collide as Ohio State, Notre Dame battle for CFP title
