The stage is set for a titanic clash in the College Football Playoff National Championship as the Ohio State Buckeyes have opened as a sizable 9.5-point favorite over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The Buckeyes, who dominated their way through the CFP semifinals, will be looking to cap off a spectacular season with a national title. But the Irish, who have reveled in the underdog role, are on a mission to pull off one more stunner and claim college football’s ultimate prize.
Buckeyes Riding High After Semifinal Rout
Ohio State enters the championship game brimming with confidence after dismantling the Texas Longhorns in their CFP semifinal matchup. The Buckeyes’ high-powered offense, led by Heisman finalist quarterback Tito Henderson, put on a clinic, racking up over 600 total yards en route to a 45-24 victory. Equally impressive was the Ohio State defense, which forced three turnovers, including a scintillating 83-yard scoop-and-score by defensive end Jack Sawyer that effectively put the game out of reach.
“It’s remarkable what Ohio State has done since the loss to Michigan, They’ve taken their game to another level.”
– Kirk Herbstreit, ESPN College Football Analyst
Irish Embracing Underdog Status Once Again
Notre Dame, meanwhile, finds itself in a familiar position as a heavy underdog against a college football blue blood. The Irish were also counted out in their semifinal tilt against Penn State, but they rose to the occasion, grinding out a 24-20 win behind a punishing ground game and a suffocating defense. Notre Dame has now won outright as an underdog twice this season, a trend they hope to continue on the sport’s biggest stage.
Historical Precedent Favors Favorites
While Notre Dame has embraced the underdog mentality, history suggests that Ohio State is well-positioned as a sizable favorite. In the CFP/BCS era, favorites of 9.5 points or more in the national championship game have gone 3-0 straight up and against the spread, winning by an average margin of 31 points. Most recently, Georgia crushed TCU 65-7 as a 13.5-point favorite in the 2022 title game.
- Ohio State is 9-6 against the spread this season
- Notre Dame is 12-3 against the spread, tied for the most covers in the nation
Buckeyes Drawing Heavy Betting Action
Ohio State has been a popular pick among bettors throughout the season, and that trend has continued heading into the championship clash. The Buckeyes have garnered 28.2% of the money and 16.8% of the total bets to win the national title, making them the betting public’s preferred choice and the sportsbooks’ biggest liability. Ohio State opened at +700 to win it all this season, but those odds have shifted to -350 with just one game remaining.
Key Matchup: Ohio State Offense vs. Notre Dame Defense
While both teams boast well-rounded rosters, the game may ultimately hinge on the performance of Ohio State’s electric offense against Notre Dame’s stingy defense. The Buckeyes have been virtually unstoppable with Henderson at the controls, averaging over 45 points per game. The Irish defense, anchored by All-American linebacker Tyson McKinney, has been equally impressive, allowing just 16 points per contest. Something will have to give when these two units collide.
“This Ohio State offense against the Notre Dame defense, that’s where the game will be won or lost. Can the Irish slow down Henderson and company? It’s going to be a fascinating battle.”
– Desmond Howard, ESPN College Football Analyst
The Stage Is Set
As kickoff draws near, the anticipation is palpable. Will Ohio State justify its status as a heavy favorite and secure another national championship? Or will Notre Dame, fueled by its underdog mentality, pull off the upset and shock the college football world? With two storied programs, a host of future NFL stars, and the sport’s ultimate prize on the line, this year’s CFP National Championship has all the makings of an instant classic. The eyes of the nation will be fixated on this colossal gridiron clash, eager to see which team will rise to the occasion and etch its name in the annals of college football history.
