The College Football Playoff has proven to be a College Football Betting success in its first-ever iteration as a 12-team tournament. While the first two rounds were not as competitive as hoped for, the semifinals were outstanding and produced a tremendous national championship game matchup. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have emerged as the Cinderella team of the College Football Playoff. Since their stunning loss to the Northern Illinois Huskies, the Fighting Irish have been flawless. Meanwhile, the Ohio State Buckeyes have enjoyed a massive turnaround since their loss to the Michigan Wolverines to end the regular season.
2024-25 College Football National Championship Game Notre Dame vs. Ohio State
| Date and Time: | Monday, January 20, 2025, 7:30 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State | -8½ -110 | 45½ -115 | -370 |  |
| Notre Dame | +8½ -110 | 45½ -105 | +295 | |
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Notre Dame Fighting Irish Team Overview
Last game, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish won 27-24 against the Penn State Nittany Lions as 1-point dogs. The game went over the online betting total of 45.5. Notre Dame has a record of 14-1 straight up, 10-2 against the spread, and 7-5 over/under the total. Notre Dame ranks 26th for total offense, 92nd for passing, 10th for rushing, and 4th for scoring. Defensively, they rank 20th overall, 12th against the pass, 52nd against the rush, and 2nd for points allowed. Also, Notre Dame ranks 38th for fewest turnovers lost and 5th for takeaways.
Ohio State Buckeyes Team Overview
Last game, the Ohio State Buckeyes won 28-14 against the Texas Longhorns as 4.5-point favorites. The game went under the total of 51.5. Ohio State has a record of 13-2 straight up, 6-6 against the spread, and 5-7 over/under the total. Ohio State ranks 31st for total offense, 25th for passing, 66th for rushing, and 12th for scoring. Defensively, they rank 1st overall, 1st against the pass, 3rd against the rush, and 1st for points allowed. Also, Ohio State ranks 29th for fewest turnovers lost and 73rd for takeaways.
Following the dismantling of the Tennessee Volunteers and Oregon Ducks in their first two College Football Playoff games, Ohio State entered its Cotton Bowl matchup with the Texas Longhorns as the heavy favorite. And in the end, the Buckeyes did win by two touchdowns. But the matchup with Texas was closer than the final score indicated. At one point, it looked like the Buckeyes were on the ropes. When Texas tied the game at 14 apiece in the third quarter, Ohio State appeared to be in serious trouble.
But somehow, the Buckeyes found a way to win. Ohio State made numerous key stops. And they got an enormous strip sack from Jack Sawyer, which he returned 83 yards for a touchdown. Ohio State certainly did not play its A-game in this one. This wasn’t Tennessee, and it wasn’t Oregon. Overall, the Buckeyes committed nine penalties, blew several coverages, and dropped touchdown passes. Correlate that they looked out of sorts for a good portion of the evening.
Notre Dame vs. Ohio State SBG Free Picks
Namely, Marcus Freeman of Notre Dame and Ryan Day of Ohio State have emerged as two of the top leaders in the game. Notre Dame has been a great story with an impressive College Football Betting run. However, it is likely to end with a stark reality check against Ohio State, the most talented team in college football. Finally, the Buckeyes’ defense should dominate the Irish’s offense.
Notre Dame vs. Ohio State SBG Best Bet: Ohio State Buckeyes and Under the Total.