National Championship Preview

The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship features the Ohio State Buckeyes against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. This title game will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025, with kick-off scheduled for 7:30 PM ET. Ohio State, with a strong season record including victories over Tennessee and Oregon, comes into the game as 8.5-point favorites. Their defense has been pivotal, led by standout performances from key players like defensive end Jack Sawyer.

Key Players

• Ohio State:
  • Will Howard (Quarterback)
  • Jeremiah Smith (Star Player)
• Notre Dame:
  • Anthonie Knapp (Offensive Tackle)
  • Riley Leonard (Quarterback)
  • Jeremiah Love (Running Back)

Betting Lines

• Spread: Ohio State -8.5
• Over/Under: 45.5

Ohio State’s journey: Following a stunning loss to Michigan, Ryan Day’s team has displayed resilience, decimating their playoff competitors. Their defense showcased its might against Texas, culminating in a memorable interception from Caleb Downs to secure the semifinal victory.

Notre Dame’s resilience: The Irish, having inflated their win streak to 13 games since a narrow defeat in early season, emphasize a robust rushing attack. Jeremiah Love’s strong performance on the ground complements their stellar defense, which ranks second nationally.

Predictions

The model projects a total of 48 points in the game, speculating on the effectiveness of both teams’ strategies, emphasizing the prowess of Ohio State’s powerful offensive and solid defensive lines, and Notre Dame’s attempts to leverage their elite rushing game.