Ohio State vs Notre Dame predictions: Our expert picks for CFP National Championship
Jan. 20, 2025, 7:30 p.m. Sports
Read time estimation: 5 minutes.Ohio State vs Notre Dame predictions: Our expert picks for CFP National ChampionshipThe College Football Playoff National Championship game is fast approaching, and fans are eagerly anticipating the matchup between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Both teams have had impressive seasons, with Ohio State finishing as the Big Ten champions and Notre Dame as the independent powerhouse. The stage is set for what promises to be an intense and thrilling battle between two top college football programs.As we look ahead to the CFP National Championship game, it’s time to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of both teams and make some predictions on who will come out on top. In this article, we will break down each team’s key players, their strategies, and provide expert picks on the much-anticipated showdown.Ohio State Buckeyes:The Ohio State Buckeyes have had a dominant season, finishing with a perfect record and claiming the Big Ten championship. Led by head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have one of the most explosive offenses in college football, averaging over 41 points per game. Quarterback C.J. Stroud has been a standout player for Ohio State, throwing for over 3,500 yards and 34 touchdowns this season. He has been supported by a talented group of receivers, including Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, who have combined for over 2,000 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns.On the defensive side of the ball, Ohio State has been solid, holding opponents to an average of 19 points per game. The Buckeyes’ defense is anchored by standout defensive end Jack Sawyer, who has recorded 8.5 sacks this season, and linebacker Tommy Eichenberg, who leads the team in tackles. Ohio State’s defense will be crucial in stopping Notre Dame’s potent offense in the championship game.Notre Dame Fighting Irish:The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have also had an impressive season, finishing with a 11-1 record and securing wins against top-ranked opponents. Head coach Brian Kelly has led the Fighting Irish to success with a balanced offense and a tough defense. Quarterback Jack Coan has been the driving force behind Notre Dame’s offense, throwing for over 2,500 yards and 20 touchdowns this season. He has been supported by a strong running game led by running back Kyren Williams, who has rushed for over 1,000 yards and 19 touchdowns.The Fighting Irish defense has been tough to score against this season, holding opponents to an average of 16 points per game. Linebacker Drew White has been a standout player for Notre Dame, leading the team in tackles and interceptions. Notre Dame’s defense will need to step up against Ohio State’s high-powered offense in the championship game.Expert Picks:The CFP National Championship game between Ohio State and Notre Dame promises to be a close and exciting matchup. Both teams have talented players and strong coaching staffs, making it difficult to predict a clear winner. However, our expert picks lean slightly towards Ohio State as the favorite in this game.The Buckeyes’ explosive offense, led by C.J. Stroud and a talented group of receivers, will pose a significant challenge for Notre Dame’s defense. If Ohio State can establish a strong passing game early on, they will be difficult to stop. On the defensive side, Ohio State’s pass rush, led by Jack Sawyer, will put pressure on Notre Dame’s Jack Coan and disrupt their offensive rhythm.While Notre Dame has a solid team with a balanced offense and a tough defense, they will need to find a way to contain Ohio State’s high-powered offense to have a chance at winning the championship. If the Fighting Irish can establish a strong running game and control the time of possession, they may be able to keep Ohio State’s offense off the field and limit their scoring opportunities.In the end, we predict that Ohio State will come out on top in a close and hard-fought battle against Notre Dame. The Buckeyes’ offensive firepower and defensive playmakers will give them the edge in this championship game. However, fans can expect to see an intense and exciting matchup between two top college football programs vying for the ultimate prize in the CFP National Championship.