Buckeye fans return home, look forward to College Football Playoff title game

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Buckeye Nation has a lot to celebrate coming off Friday night's Cotton Bowl win.  

Some fans are already working out travel arrangements to watch Ohio State take on Notre Dame in Georgia in the final of the first College Football Playoff to feature 12 teams. 

It was nothing but smiles Saturday as Buckeye fans returned to Columbus from Dallas. Aaron McGonigle is a longtime fan who was on that flight.  

"It was incredible," McGonigle said. "We had a rough day Thursday getting there with the weather."  

Former Ohio State long snapper Bradley Robinson also went to the Cotton Bowl.    

"Very proud," Robinson said. "It's a good day to be a Buckeye."  

Fans did not let the winter storm in Dallas get in their way of the Cotton Bowl. Robinson said his travel issues were well worth it to watch his boys take home the win.   

"Jack Sawyer's touchdown happened right in front of me so that was nice and exciting, and I know Jack," Robinson said. "It was great to see him do that and cap off his career as a Buckeye to send the team to the natty. So, really exciting stuff. I'm pumped to get down to Atlanta in a week."  

Robinson is not the only one that's pumped. Leeann McGonigle was also on his flight and she said she's ready for the national championship. 

"We found flights and we're excited," McGonigle said. "Hoping for cheaper tickets but we'll see."

Matthew Coffman is a graduate of Ohio State University and calls himself a die-hard Buckeye fan. 

“We all can't wait to show out in Atlanta," Coffman said. "I lost my voice at the game. Since we were a little outnumbered, I felt like I had to yell as loud as I possibly could."  

Coffman promised his voice will be healed come time for the title game one week from Monday.

"As long as we play the way we've been playing, I think Ryan Day's been coaching the guys up," Coffman said. "Everybody's been giving their best efforts. Guys have been playing through injuries. Everyone's been working hard. I think that we'll come out on top."  

"Marcus Freeman, a former Buckeye, makes it a little interesting, but I think we’ll take it home,” McGonigle said about Notre Dame’s head coach. 

Fans hope the Buckeyes can carry that winning mentality with them to Atlanta.  

"I'm looking for the team from the Tennessee win and the second Oregon win," McGonigle said. "I'm looking for that team." 

It's safe to say Buckeye Nation has full confidence in the team.   

"I'm expecting a win," Robinson said. "I think Notre Dame's going to be challenging. Coach Freeman does a great job there and I think they'll really challenge us defensively, but I think their offense can't keep up with us."  

Southwest Airlines has added several additional flights to get Buckeye fans to and from the game, giving more nonstop options to those traveling. Meanwhile, several travel agencies like Reynolds Travel have begun offering ticket packages complete with airfare and hotel accommodation.  

The national championship is set for Jan. 20 in Atlanta.