Ohio State last claimed a national championship during the 2014 season, marking the inaugural year of the four-team College Football Playoff. This season, the Buckeyes have the opportunity to secure another title in the first year of the 12-team CFP format.
However, the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame have their own aspirations for a national championship, a title they’ve been pursuing since their last victory in 1988.
The 2024 college football season will wrap up on Monday night as No. 7-seeded Notre Dame faces No. 8 Ohio State in the CFP National Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Both teams have triumphed in three Playoff games to reach this stage.
As the game approaches, here’s some betting information along with predictions on how the match may unfold.
Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka are both expected to score touchdowns. Notre Dame’s pass defense has been effective due to its man-to-man coverage, but they will face a significant challenge from Smith and Egbuka, the leading playmakers in Ohio State’s receiving group.
Smith recorded two touchdowns in each of the Buckeyes’ initial two CFP games, but he was unable to find the end zone in the Cotton Bowl against Texas. Egbuka’s only Playoff touchdown came during the Rose Bowl against Oregon.
Ohio State needs these two to rise to the occasion, and senior quarterback Will Howard is likely to focus on getting them the ball. This should result in both Smith and Egbuka each scoring at least one touchdown.
Riley Leonard is poised to achieve a new season high in passing yards. The Notre Dame senior quarterback passed for 223 yards in his team’s Orange Bowl win over Penn State, just 6 yards shy of his season record. He could surpass 230 passing yards for the first time against Ohio State.
While the Fighting Irish usually rely on their running game, the Buckeyes are stingy defensively, allowing only 89.9 rushing yards per game, the third lowest in the nation. Thus, it might be difficult for Notre Dame to advance the ball on the ground.
Additionally, if Ohio State starts strong, Leonard may need to throw more frequently to keep the Fighting Irish competitive, especially if their running game struggles as anticipated.
It’s no surprise that Ohio State is a significant favorite in this matchup. The Buckeyes have been impressive in the College Football Playoff, securing victories over Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas by 14 points or more.
There’s a strong possibility that Ohio State will win by at least double digits once again on Monday.
The Buckeyes are riding a wave of momentum after overcoming their disappointing loss to rival Michigan in the regular-season finale. They should have a favorable matchup against Notre Dame, which has competed in closer games during the CFP.
The forecast is that Ohio State will establish an early lead and maintain control throughout the game. While the Fighting Irish will attempt to keep it competitive, the Buckeyes are unlikely to let that happen.
Prediction: Ohio State 37, Notre Dame 24.
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