Notre Dame (14-1) vs Ohio State (13-2)
Game Info: Monday, January 20, 2025 at 7:30 pm (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
Betting Odds: Notre Dame +8.5 -- Over/Under: 46.5
The Notre Dame and Ohio State Game Preview!
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Ohio State Buckeyes are facing off on Monday in the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This game is a big deal in college football history since both teams have a long tradition and tons of enthusiastic fans. The Fighting Irish, with their legacy starting back in 1887, have snagged 11 national championships. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes, around since 1890, have won 8 national titles. The College Football Playoff system, which kicked off in 2014, has really shaken up the postseason, making it more competitive and exciting. Here's a look at the Ohio State vs Notre Dame Prediction and Pick.
Matchup/League Facts
Notre Dame ranks 2nd among FBS teams for passing yards allowed per game this season (165.3).
Notre Dame ranks 3rd among FBS teams for Q3 opponent points per game this season (2.3).
Ohio State ranks 1st among FBS teams for H2 opponent points per game this season (4.8).
Ohio State ranks 1st among FBS teams for yards allowed per game this season (251.1).
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish Team Preview!
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have just scored wins against Indiana, Georgia, and Penn State. They're aiming for their 12th national title in school history. Riley Leonard has been on fire, completing 66.4% of his passes for 2,606 yards, with 19 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. On the receiving end, Jaden Greathouse and Beaux Collins have teamed up for 962 yards and 5 touchdowns, while Mitchell Evans has snagged 39 catches.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are crushing it on the ground, racking up an average of 225.8 yards each game, with Jeremiyah Love leading the charge with 1,122 yards and 17 touchdowns. On defense, they're keeping opponents to just 13.6 points and 319.6 yards per game. Jack Kiser is the top tackler with 85 tackles, Rylie Mills has nailed 7.5 sacks, and Xavier Watts has snagged 6 interceptions.
The Ohio State Buckeyes Team Preview!
The Ohio State Buckeyes just snagged wins against Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas. They're aiming for their ninth national title ever. Will Howard is on fire, completing 72.6% of his passes with 3,779 yards, 33 touchdowns, and 10 picks. Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka have racked up 2,174 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns together, and Carnell Tate has made 50 catches.
The Ohio State Buckeyes are averaging 163.2 rushing yards per game, with TreVeyon Henderson leading the charge, piling up 967 yards and 10 touchdowns. On the defensive side, Ohio State is allowing 12.2 points and 251.1 yards per game. Cody Simon is topping the team with 104 tackles, JT Tuimoloau has nailed 11.5 sacks, and Denzel Burke has grabbed 2 interceptions.
The Ohio State vs Notre Dame
Game Prediction!
The Pick: Notre Dame +9 -115
The Ohio State Buckeyes have the edge in talent and health, so they're likely to be strong favorites. But I'm still betting on Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish have covered the spread in their last 11 games and are 13-2 against the spread this season. They've also gone 5-1-1 ATS in their last seven games as underdogs, winning four of those outright. Notre Dame hasn't been this big of an underdog since September 2022. While Ohio State's offense is packed with NFL-level talent, Notre Dame ranks 20th in total defense and second in scoring defense. Plus, Jeremiyah Love has had time to recover from his knee issue, giving Notre Dame a more balanced offense. I also have more faith in Marcus Freeman over Ryan Day. So, I'm taking the points with Notre Dame in the national championship.
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