Ohio State is taking on Notre Dame in the National Championship game! Last week, the Fighting Irish defeated Penn State 27-24 in an all-time classic with Notre Dame hitting a walk-off field goal to punch their ticket to Atlanta. Conversely, the Buckeyes won a back-and-forth game last week against the Texas Longhorns, 28-14. Will the Fighting Irish pull off the upset and win their first national championship since 1989 or will the Buckeyes cap off their outstanding playoff run and win the Natty for the first time in 11 years? Let’s dive into this game and cook up a winning slip!
Ohio State vs. Notre Dame Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | Money Line |
| Ohio State | -8.5 (-110) | Over 45.5 (-110) | -400 |
| Notre Dame | +8.5 (-110) | Under 45.5 (-110) | +310 |
| **Odds Subject to Change** | |||
Ohio State vs. Notre Dame Match Details
- Fixture: Ohio State vs Notre Dame
- Date and Time: January 20th, 2025
Key Stats
Ohio State
Ohio State is coming off a great win last week against the Texas Longhorns, 28-14. Will Howard was great in the win. He finished the game by completing 24 of 33 passes for 289 yards, 1 touchdown, and an interception. TreVeyon Henderson had a great game with 117 yards from scrimmage, and only 42 yards rushing, but took a screen pass 75 yards for a touchdown to extend their lead before halftime. Carnell Tate led the team with 7 catches and 87 yards receiving. When you have your 3rd string receiver dominate a good secondary, it shows the depth this team has on the outside.
This Buckeyes’ defense has been great all season long. They held Texas to 20 points under their season average and Jack Sawyer dominated this game defensively. Sawyer finished the game with 2 passes defended, and the game-sealing stripsack, fumble recovery, and 83-yard scoop and score. This team has one of the best defensive lines in the nation.
They were first in points allowed per game, 2nd in passing yards allowed per game, 6th in rushing yards allowed per game, 1st in offensive touchdowns allowed, 15th in sacks, and 70th in takeaways per game. This team is littered with talent on both sides of the ball.
Notre Dame
Notre Dame won an all-time classic last week against Penn State, 27-24. Riley Leonard was subpar despite the win. He completed 15 of 23 passes for 223 passing yards. He also added 35 rushing yards. Jaden Greathouse chose a great time to have his best game of the season. He finished the game with 7 catches for 105 yards, including a 54-yard receiving touchdown. Jeremiyah Love was subpar in the game as well. He finished the game with only 45 yards rushing on 11 carries and scored a rushing touchdown. If they are going to pull off the upset, Leonard must be the dynamic runner he can be.
Notre Dame’s defense has been one of the best in the nation as well. They are ranked 3rd in points allowed per game, 4th in passing yards allowed per game, 52nd in rushing yards allowed per game, 5th in offensive touchdowns allowed, 35th in sacks, and 1st in takeaways per game. No other team in the country had more points off takeaways than the Fighting Irish.
The one turnover they forced against Penn State, led to the game-winning field goal. If they can force Will Howard and the Buckeyes into committing a few turnovers, they will have more than a puncher’s chance to win the Natty.
Prediction
Ohio State is going to defeat Notre Dame in this game and cover the 8.5-point spread in this game. Despite this game being good on paper, this is a mismatch talent-wise for the Fighting Irish. The Buckeyes have arguably the best roster in the country, the best weapons in the country, and the best D-Line in the country.
If you take these teams’ strength vs. strength, Ohio State’s offense, and Notre Dame’s defense and call it a wash, it turns into a simple question. Who do you trust more? Notre Dame’s offense or the Buckeyes’ defense? I am riding with Ohio State’s defense to dominate this game as they cruise to a double-digit win in this game.
