2025 National championship game predictions, odds: Ohio State-Notre Dame picks for College Football Playoff

There’s only one game remaining in what has been the longest college football season in history, which started way back on August 24, 2024, when Georgia Tech upset then-No. 10 Florida State 24-21 in Ireland. That Week 0 game set the tone for what would be a season full of surprises.

Now, nearly five months later, (7) Notre Dame and (8) Ohio State face off in the College Football Playoff National Championship in Atlanta. It’s hard to argue both teams don’t deserve to be in this game. Notre Dame had to take out Indiana, Georgia and Penn State to reach this point; Ohio State’s taken down Tennessee, Oregon and Texas.

They’ve proven to be two of the best teams in the country all year, despite each having a “huh!?” loss on their résumé. But only one can take home the national title. A quick look at the spread suggests Ohio State is the heavy favorite to do so, but are the Buckeyes the best bet? Let’s break down the spread, total and a couple of props for Monday night’s clash between two of the biggest programs in college football history.

National Championship: (7) Notre Dame vs. (8) Ohio State

Spread

One of the biggest factors of the expanded College Football Playoff are injuries. As teams are asked to play more games than ever before, injuries are a likely outcome. It’s a collision sport, after all, and the more physical contact any player suffers, the more likely an injury is to occur. Notre Dame has had far worse injury luck than the Buckeyes in the playoffs. Both teams suffered injuries during the regular season, with Ohio State’s offensive line hit particularly hard and Notre Dame suffering losses all over the roster. 

The losses have not ceased for the Irish in the playoffs. Stud defensive tackle Rylie Mills was lost early, and two…

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Author : Tom Fornelli

Publish date : 2025-01-16 17:38:00

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