The Ohio State Buckeyes (13-2) face off against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (14-1) on Monday, January 20, 2025, at 7:30 PM ET in the College Football Playoff Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Both teams are chasing glory, with Ohio State seeking its first national title in a decade and Notre Dame aiming for its first since 1988.
These teams met last in September 2023, where Ohio State edged out a 17-14 win. Now, they face off again on the biggest stage, with star players like Ohio State’s freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith and Notre Dame’s standout cornerback Leonard Moore set to play pivotal roles. Both teams enter the game with high expectations and strong playoff performances.
Ohio State Preview – High-Powered Offense in Focus
The Buckeyes are led by quarterback Will Howard, who has thrown for 919 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions across three playoff games. Ohio State’s offense averages 428.3 yards per game and thrives on explosive plays. Jeremiah Smith, with 71 catches for 1,227 yards and 14 touchdowns this season, is the primary weapon, although he was limited to just three yards in the semifinal win over Texas.
Ohio State’s supporting cast includes receiver Emeka Egbuka, who has 947 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, and running back TreVeyon Henderson, who has been effective both on the ground and in the passing game. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly will look to spread the ball to neutralize Notre Dame’s stout defense.
Defensively, Ohio State is one of the nation’s best, allowing just 251.1 total yards and 12.2 points per game. Cornerback Denzel Burke’s return strengthens a secondary tasked with containing Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard and his dual-threat capabilities.
Notre Dame Preview – Defense Leads the Way
The Fighting Irish pride themselves on defense, ranking second in the nation in scoring defense (14.3 points per game) and pass defense (165.3 yards per game). Leonard Moore, the Freshman Defensive Player of the Year, will be key in slowing down Smith and the Buckeyes’ passing attack. Notre Dame also excels at creating turnovers, with 19 interceptions this season.
On offense, quarterback Riley Leonard has been steady, if not explosive, during the playoffs. He has passed for 514 yards and three touchdowns while adding 145 rushing yards and two scores. Running back Jeremiyah Love leads the ground game but will need to improve on his recent performances against a tough Ohio State defense.
Notre Dame’s offensive line faces a challenge with the absence of left tackle Anthonie Knapp, but Tosh Baker is expected to step in. Coach Marcus Freeman emphasizes adaptability as the key to success in this high-stakes matchup.
Betting Prediction
Ohio State is an 8.5-point favorite, with the total set at 45.5. The Buckeyes’ ability to generate explosive plays on offense and their dominant defense give them the edge. However, Notre Dame’s defense could keep the game close, especially if they limit big plays from Smith and Egbuka.
Projected final score: Ohio State 31, Notre Dame 20. Ohio State should cover the spread, with the total going slightly over due to late-game scoring.
Pick: Ohio State -8.5, Over 45.5
