After over four months of fierce competition, the college football season will reach its climax on Monday, Jan. 20, as the No. 8 seed Ohio State Buckeyes take on the No. 7 seed Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the national championship in Atlanta. This marks the first-ever title game in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff format.
Both teams have faced their share of challenges this season. Notre Dame suffered an upset loss to Northern Illinois, while Ohio State stumbled in a crucial game against Michigan in the regular season finale. However, both squads have delivered when it mattered most, earning their spots in the championship game.
Despite their geographic proximity in the Midwest, these programs have met only eight times. Their most recent encounter was a thrilling game on Sept. 23 last year, where Ohio State triumphed 17-14 with a last-second goal-line touchdown by Chip Trayanum.
As the championship approaches, predictions are pouring in. Among those weighing in is former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer, who led the Buckeyes to their last national championship in 2014. Meyer anticipates a closely contested first half but predicts Ohio State will pull away in the second half to secure their ninth national title.
“Ohio State covers the spread,” Meyer stated. “I think Notre Dame’s defense will keep it close early. However, the Buckeyes will take control in the second half.”
Currently, Ohio State is a 9.5-point favorite, according to BetMGM, a larger margin than in their previous victories over No. 5 Texas and No. 1 Oregon. The Buckeyes hold a 6-2 advantage in the all-time series against Notre Dame, with the Fighting Irish’s last win dating back to 1936. Notre Dame’s last national championship came in 1988 under coach Lou Holtz.
