The anticipation is building as the Ohio State Buckeyes prepare to face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
This matchup marks a significant moment in college football history, as both teams vie for the coveted national title.
Season Recap and Path to the Championship
Ohio State, under the leadership of head coach Ryan Day, concluded the regular season with a 10–2 record, suffering losses to Oregon and archrival Michigan. Despite these setbacks, the Buckeyes secured the eighth seed in the inaugural 12-team CFP format. Their playoff journey was marked by decisive victories: a 45–17 win over Tennessee, a 41–21 triumph against Oregon in the Rose Bowl, and a 28–14 victory over Texas in the Cotton Bowl semifinal. These performances have propelled Ohio State to their first national championship appearance since the 2020 season, where they fell to Alabama. The Buckeyes are seeking their first national title since the 2014 season.
Notre Dame, led by head coach Marcus Freeman, enters the championship with a 14–1 record. Their sole loss was an unexpected upset against Northern Illinois on September 7. The Fighting Irish rebounded impressively, securing playoff victories over Indiana (27–17), Georgia (23–10) in the Sugar Bowl, and a narrow 27–24 win against Penn State in the Orange Bowl semifinal. This game marks Notre Dame’s first appearance in the CFP National Championship and their first shot at a national title since the 2013 BCS National Championship Game, where they were defeated by Alabama. The Fighting Irish aim to claim their 12th national championship, with their last title dating back to 1988.
Statistical Matchup and Predictions
Analysts and oddsmakers have been active in predicting the outcome of this highly anticipated game. Ohio State opened as a 9.5-point favorite over Notre Dame, a line that, if it holds, would be tied for the second-largest spread in a CFP National Championship game. ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) model gives Ohio State a 55.3% chance of victory, reflecting the Buckeyes’ strong defensive unit, which has been instrumental in their playoff success.
The Buckeyes boast the nation’s top-ranked defense, a factor that has stifled opponents throughout the season. Their defensive prowess was on full display in the Cotton Bowl, where they limited Texas to just 14 points. On the offensive side, quarterback Will Howard has been a pivotal figure, leading a dynamic offense that has consistently put up impressive numbers.
Notre Dame, however, is not to be underestimated. The Fighting Irish have demonstrated resilience and adaptability, with quarterback Riley Leonard orchestrating a balanced offensive attack. Their defense has also been formidable, effectively containing high-powered offenses in their playoff run.
Historical Context and Rivalry
This championship game adds a new chapter to the storied history between Ohio State and Notre Dame. The two teams last met in 2023, with Ohio State narrowly securing a 17–14 victory. The rivalry has been marked by competitive matchups, and this title game is poised to be another classic encounter.
As the championship game approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to witness which powerhouse program will emerge victorious. The clash between Ohio State’s defensive strength and Notre Dame’s balanced attack sets the stage for a compelling contest that will determine the national champion of the 2024 college football season.
