Ohio State Buckeyes vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish – College Football Championship Free Pick & Preview

The Ohio State Buckeyes (13-2) take on 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. Notre Dame is seeking its first national championship since 1988, while Ohio State aims to end a decade-long title drought.
The two teams last met in September 2023, with Ohio State narrowly winning 17-14. This time, Notre Dame enters as a confident unit, riding a 13-game win streak and featuring one of the nation’s most disciplined defenses. Both programs bring elite talent to the field, making this championship a must-watch clash.
Notre Dame Preview – Defense Ready for the Spotlight
Notre Dame’s defense has been the backbone of its success, allowing just 14.3 points and 298.3 total yards per game, both among the best in the nation. Cornerback Leonard Moore, the Freshman Defensive Player of the Year, has played a pivotal role with 10 pass breakups and two interceptions this season. His ability to contain Ohio State’s top receiver, Jeremiah Smith, could determine the game’s outcome.
Notre Dame leads the nation in pass defense efficiency, limiting opponents to a 50.7% completion rate. The secondary thrives on creating turnovers, with 19 interceptions this season. If Moore and the defense can disrupt Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard, Notre Dame will have the upper hand.
Offensively, quarterback Riley Leonard brings a dual-threat presence. While his passing numbers in the playoffs (514 yards, three touchdowns) are modest, he has added 145 rushing yards and two scores. Running back Jeremiyah Love, who leads the team with 1,122 rushing yards, could find opportunities against an aggressive Ohio State defense.
Ohio State Preview – Defense and Stars Under Pressure
Ohio State boasts a top-ranked defense, allowing just 12.2 points per game and excelling in pass coverage. Cornerback Denzel Burke’s return strengthens a unit that will aim to slow Leonard and limit Notre Dame’s running game. However, the Buckeyes’ defensive line must win battles up front to force Notre Dame into tough third-down situations.
On offense, the Buckeyes rely heavily on star receiver Jeremiah Smith, who has 1,227 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. However, Smith was held to just three yards in the semifinal win over Texas, as the Longhorns deployed multiple defenders to contain him. If Notre Dame’s defense can replicate that strategy, Ohio State’s secondary weapons, like Emeka Egbuka and Carnell Tate, will need to step up.
Quarterback Will Howard has been efficient in the playoffs, completing 73.9% of his passes for 919 yards and six touchdowns. However, he faces a Notre Dame defense that excels at disrupting opposing quarterbacks and forcing mistakes. The Buckeyes must also balance their offensive attack to avoid becoming one-dimensional.
Betting Prediction
Notre Dame is a 8.5-point underdog, with the total set at 45.5. The Fighting Irish’s disciplined defense and ability to force turnovers give them a strong chance to keep this game close and pull off an upset. Notre Dame’s secondary matches up well with Ohio State’s high-powered passing attack, and Leonard’s dual-threat ability could be a game-changer late.
Projected final score: Notre Dame 24, Ohio State 21. Notre Dame should cover the spread, with the total going under as the defenses dictate the pace of the game.
Pick: Notre Dame +8.5