The 2024-25 college season comes to a close with the conclusion of the National Championship Game between Ohio State and Notre Dame on January, 20 in Atlanta. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. ET and televised on ESPN. The Buckeyes opened as a 10-point favorite in Las Vegas more than a week ago before settling at -9.5. Game day and Ohio State is now a -8.5 and the game total is down to 45.5 points after opening 47.5.

Looking like we are going to be big Notre Dame fans tonight. I'm like 1/20th Irish so going to go get a Fighting Irishman tat on my calf.

$$$
64% Ohio St -8.5
79% Ohio St -385
69% O 45.5 pic.twitter.com/5LVveogTBL

— Dave Mason (@DaveMasonBOL) January 20, 2025

Ohio State-Notre Dame Stats, Notes And Picks

Both Ohio State (13-2) and Notre Dame (14-1) came through the College Football Playoff semifinals with tight, close wins. Ohio State's 28-14 win was misleading as Texas was going in for the tie inside the 3-yard line late in the fourth quarter before a turnover and defensive return touchdown gave the Buckeyes their spot in the title game outgaining Texas 370 yards at 6.5 yards per play to 341 (5.0). Notre Dame rallied past Penn State 27-24 with a 383 (5.2) to 339 (5.2) yards edge with all four teams in the semifinals defensive dominators. 

Ohio State has won 6 straight over Notre Dame and they've met each of the past three season. The Fighting Irish ride a 13-0 SU and 11-0 ATS run into the National Championship Game including CFP wins over Penn State, Georgia and Indiana. Ohio State has rebounded from the disastrous rivalry game loss to Michigan to roll through the CFP with wins over top teams Texas, Oregon and Tennessee. With each of those wins by 14 points or more, this line opened higher favoring the Buckeyes. But Ohio State has a +1.0 net yards per play margin advantage and +70 yards per game edge over Notre Dame. 

Key matchups to watch beyond the defensive dominators of both teams is the Buckeyes run defense (91 ypg /2.7 ypr) against the Irish run game (211/5.9). But Ohio State has allowed just 62 rushing yards per game to their three College Football Playoff opponents. When the Buckeyes have the ball, they should show off their superior passing game averaging 265 yards per game and elite 9.2 yards per pass attempt. Even against a top-rated Irish secondary allowing just 167 passing YPG at 5.9 yppl. While I would normally look towards the 'Dog in this range with a strong running game and defense. Notre Dame is also 10-0 ATS against opponents coming off an ATS win of 9 or more points and 31-1 outright in games where the Irish have scored 24 or more points. But they won't score 24 on the Buckeyes, who do those things better and with more balance while also playing a stronger schedule with better results against stronger teams the College Football Playoff. Notre Dame has benefitted from a +17 net turnover margin this season which includes 6 defensive touchdowns, and they'll need more of those in their favor to take down Ohio State. I wouldn't bet on it. 

Opinion: Ohio State 

Player Prop: Notre Dame TE Mitchell Evans Under 33.5 receiving yards (good down to 31.5).

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Review more betting strategies and tips for college football bowls that have assisted me in strong bowl season during our pre-Christmas bowls and post-Christmas bowls Picks, Opinions and Leans including 5-0 ATS on College Football Playoff quarterfinals Picks and Opinions. Semifinal Picks and Opinions were 1-2 with Penn State and Under losers despite a 10-3 halftime lead for the Nittany Lions and 24-17 lead late in the game.  

Pre-Christmas Bowls Picks and Opinions 2-3 ATS and 2-3 ATS first round College Football Playoff. 
Post Christmas Bowls Picks and Opinions 8-3 ATS and Leans 8-2 ATS.
All Bowls and CFP Picks and Opinions: 18-11 ATS and Leans 10-5 ATS (Picks 5-4 ATS). 

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FairwayJay is a proven sports handicapper and loves college football. He's been handicapping and betting college football for more than two decades and is recognized as one of the sports industry's most insightful analysts. He chips in additional sports betting coverage and reporting on industry news and events. Follow FairwayJay here at OSGA.com and on X @FairwayJay for more sports and betting insights.