- What: CFP National Title Game
- When: January 20, 2025
- Who: Ohio State vs. Notre Dame
- Time: 4:30 p.m. PST
- Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA)
As we gear up for the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship, the matchup between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Ohio State Buckeyes is generating plenty of buzz.
While Ohio State enters the game as an 8.5-point favorite, I’m here to tell you why Notre Dame is the team to back against the spread. Let’s break it down.
Ohio State
On the other hand, Ohio State has been dominant in its playoff run, but let’s not forget that it has faced stiff competition. While its victories over Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas were impressive, they also come with a caveat.
The Buckeyes have not faced a defense as tenacious as Notre Dame’s in this playoff. With the Irish’s ability to limit scoring opportunities, they could very well frustrate Ohio State’s high-powered offense.
It all comes down to this.
#GoBucks | #NationalChampionship pic.twitter.com/HHoaQl8Jz5— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) January 20, 2025
Moreover, Ohio State’s recent history against Notre Dame is worth noting. The Buckeyes have won six straight matchups, but the games have often been closer than the final scores indicate.
In their last meeting, Ohio State edged out a 17-14 victory in South Bend, and with the stakes higher this time around, it’s reasonable to expect a similarly tight contest.
Notre Dame
First off, Notre Dame has been on a tear, winning 13 straight games after a rocky start to the season. Their playoff journey has been nothing short of impressive, defeating Indiana, Georgia, and Penn State to reach this point.
The Fighting Irish have shown resilience and adaptability, overcoming significant injuries to key players, including defensive linemen and offensive linemen.
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College Football Playoff National Championship
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???? https://t.co/dFv5CBF83g#GoIrish☘️ pic.twitter.com/UgrEAoJjn9— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) January 20, 2025
Despite these setbacks, they’ve managed to maintain a strong defensive presence, ranking second nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 14.3 points per game.
Quarterback Riley Leonard has emerged as a key player for Notre Dame, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities.
He’s not just a passer; he can scramble and make plays with his legs, which is crucial against a Buckeyes defense that thrives on pressure.
Leonard’s ability to extend plays could be the X-factor that keeps Notre Dame in the game and allows them to cover the spread.
Buckeyes-Fighting Irish Best Bet
Betting on Notre Dame to cover the 8.5-point spread at -105 odds is not just a hunch; it’s backed by data. The Fighting Irish have covered the spread in 10 consecutive games, showcasing their ability to keep games competitive.
Additionally, they are 7-0-1 against the spread in their last eight games against Big Ten opponents, which bodes well for their chances against Ohio State.
While Ohio State may be favored, the Fighting Irish have the tools and the momentum to keep this game close.
With a strong defense, a dynamic quarterback, and a history of covering spreads, Notre Dame is the smart pick to cover the 8.5-point spread in this national championship showdown. Buckle up, because this game is going to be a nail-biter!
Dice City Sports — where we provide premium, exclusive, up-to-date news and analysis surrounding the Las Vegas sports scene. Follow along on social media, and check back for new articles daily!
Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.
