- What: 2025 CFP National Championship
- When: January 20, 2025
- Who: Notre Dame vs. Ohio State
- Time:Ā 7:30 p.m. ET
- Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA)
The first national championship game of the 12-team College Football Playoff is shaping up to be a fantastic matchup for fans.
On January 20, Notre Dame (14-1) will play Ohio State (13-2) in Atlanta, Georgia. However, for the second year in a row, an SEC team will not be featured in the CFP final.
Following last seasonās championship clash between Michigan and Washington, this marks the first time since 2004 (USC vs. Oklahoma) and 2005 (USC vs. Texas) that two consecutive title games have been played without an SEC representative.
There will be no shortage of online college football betting as theĀ College Football Playoff continues. Don't forget to check out everyone's predictions for the College Football National Championship.
This game looks to be closely contested, as both teams boast top-7 defenses, with Notre Dame ranked seventh and Ohio State holding the top spot.
On the offensive side, the Buckeyes are rated as the third best in metrics, while the Irish come in at sixth.
Game Preview (Notre Dame vs. Ohio State)
After dominating their first two Playoff matches with a total of 83 points, Ohio State struggled against a formidable Texas defense that focused on eliminating big plays.
Freshman sensation Jeremiah Smith, who boasts 1,227 receiving yards, managed only three receptions against the Longhorns.
This raises the question: did the Longhorns provide Notre Dame with a strategy to contain quarterback Will Howard and the Buckeyes?
For the Fighting Irish, it all begins with a formidable pass defense.
Freshman cornerback Leonard Moore is impressively performing beyond his experience level, supported by All-American Xavier Watts, who leads a trio of tough and agile safeties.
Notre Dame ranks best in the nation, allowing only 50.7 percent of passes completed against them.
While Penn State found success running the ball against Notre Dame, Ohio State has capable running backs in TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins.
NEXT UP... ATL FOR ALL THE MARBLES š pic.twitter.com/AZXKllI11I
— Ohio State Buckeyes š° (@OhioStAthletics) January 11, 2025
However, the offensive line has faced challenges with run blocking, particularly after losing its top two players to injuries during the season.
Ohio State certainly boasts a strong defense, arguably the more reliable aspect of their game this season.
The unit is spearheaded by edge rushers JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, who have delivered some of the finest performances of their careers during the postseason.
It was fitting that Sawyer's strip-sack and subsequent scoop-and-score won the Cotton Bowl.
Eight points is past the key number of 7, and I can't lay that many points with the Buckeyes. Give me Notre Dame +8 points in this one.
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Total Points (Fighting Irish vs. Buckeyes)
On the other hand, Notre Dame has faced a barrage of injuries but persevered. They will need to overcome these challenges once more to capture the national championship.
They will confront a formidable Ohio State defensive line, even while their own offensive line has been impacted by the loss of two starters during the Penn State game.
Freshman tackle Anthonie Knapp suffered an ankle injury, and guard Rocco Spindler has been dealing with a lingering ankle issue since the Indiana matchup, causing both to sit out the second half of the semifinal.
Additionally, Notre Dame's star running back, Jeremiyah Love, is dealing with a persistent knee problem.
Though the sophomore is arguably the most gifted player on their offense and ranks among the top backs in the nation, he has only carried the ball 25 times during the College Football Playoff.
Nonetheless, he has still managed to deliver some incredible, game-changing runs.
Still donāt understand how Jeremiyah Love did this.
— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) January 10, 2025
Irish quarterback Riley Leonard showcases impressive toughness as a runner, amassing 866 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also displays a knack for evading pressure.
Recently, he had one of his stronger passing performances against Penn State, throwing for 223 yards. However, he did face some challenges, including two interceptions.
This one feels like it will be a knock-down, drag-out defensive slugfest. I'll take Under 46 Points as the best bet in this one.
Check ourĀ top sportsbook reviewsĀ for the best odds on your favorite NCAA Football games before placing your bets.
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