The excitement is building as the Ohio State Buckeyes prepare to face off against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship. Scheduled for January 20th at 7:30 p.m. ET, this thrilling game will take place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Both teams have overcome significant challenges to reach this ultimate stage, making fans wonder who will come out on top in this epic contest.
Ohio State Opens as Favorites
According to ESPN BET, Ohio State starts as a strong favorite, with odds placing them as 9.5 points ahead of Notre Dame. This spread is quite significant and ties for the second-largest in a College Football Playoff (CFP) championship game. The Buckeyes have dominated their games this season, winning all of their matches while covering the spread in each CFP game.
Notre Dame’s Strong Season
While Ohio State has a perfect record, Notre Dame’s journey has had its ups and downs. The Fighting Irish suffered an unexpected loss to Northern Illinois earlier in the season, but they were able to pick themselves up. They have been impressive against the spread this season, boasting a 12-3 record and proving capable of rising to the occasion against ranked teams.
The Teams’ Journey
The path to the championship has been tough for both teams. Ohio State achieved victory over formidable opponents like Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas to secure their place in the finals. Meanwhile, Notre Dame triumphed over Indiana, Georgia, and Penn State in their playoff matches. It’s clear that both teams are more than ready for this face-off.
Key Players to Watch
For Ohio State, quarterback Will Howard has been a standout. He has thrown for an impressive 3,779 yards this season, leading his team with both skill and confidence. On the opposite end, Notre Dame relies on the talent of quarterback Riley Leonard, who has passed for 2,606 yards and also demonstrated his versatility with 866 rushing yards. Both players will be crucial to their teams’ strategies as they aim for victory.
Defensive Strengths
Defense will play a significant role in this championship match. Ohio State’s defense is known for its toughness, allowing only 12.2 points and 251.1 yards per game, and they lead the nation with 51 sacks. On the other hand, Notre Dame’s defensive lineup is equally intimidating, ranking second nationally by allowing just 14.3 points per game. With both teams emphasizing their defensive strategies, it’s likely that the game will be a real test of endurance and skill.
The Matchup
Football fans are eagerly anticipating this crucial matchup, not just for the title at stake but for the highlight reels that are sure to come from this game. As Ohio State seeks its second CFP title, Notre Dame aims for their first. The championship showdown will unfold on January 20th, and both teams are prepared to give it their all.
How to Watch
This exciting match will be available for viewing on various sports networks, so fans can tune in to catch every moment of action as two of college football’s most storied teams compete for glory.
| Team | Record | Points Allowed | Key Player |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State | 14-1 | 12.2 | Will Howard |
| Notre Dame | 12-2 | 14.3 | Riley Leonard |