The College Football Playoff national championship game is set to kick off soon, featuring a showdown between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The two storied programs will clash at 7:30 p.m. ET on Monday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where the winner will claim the coveted trophy. According to ESPN BET, the Buckeyes are entering the game as 8-point favorites.
Ahead of the much-anticipated matchup, Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt shared his prediction, favoring Ohio State as the dominant team. “I think this matchup lies in the Buckeyes’ hands,” Klatt stated. “They’re the better team. They’re the better roster. They’re the better defense. They’re the better offense.”
Ohio State boasts a 13-2 record heading into the championship game, having convincingly defeated Texas (28-14), Oregon (41-21), and Tennessee (42-17) on their path through the College Football Playoff.
The Buckeyes’ success is largely attributed to quarterback Will Howard, who has been stellar this season with 33 touchdown passes, 3,779 passing yards, and a 72.6% completion rate.
Their defense, anchored by standout players like defensive end Jack Sawyer and safety Caleb Downs, has been a formidable force. Sawyer has amassed 56 tackles, nine sacks, six pass deflections, three fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles, and one interception this season. Downs has contributed 76 tackles, six pass deflections, two interceptions, and 0.5 sacks, solidifying the Buckeyes’ defensive dominance.
With both teams prepared to leave everything on the field, the stage is set for a thrilling contest that will determine the national champion. As Ohio State looks to leverage its talent and momentum, Notre Dame will aim to rise to the occasion in what promises to be an electrifying finale to the college football season.
