The College Football Playoff National Championship will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Monday night in Atlanta. With the Buckeyes laying 8.5 points as the favorite and the total sitting at 45, what’s the best bet for tonight’s Ohio State vs. Notre Dame matchup?
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
Ohio State Buckeyes (-8.5) at Notre Dame (+8.5); o/u 45
7:30 p.m. ET, Monday, January 20, 2025
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
TV: ESPN
Ohio State vs. Notre Dame CFP Public Betting: Bettors Favor Irish
As of this writing, our CFB Public Betting page shows that 63% of bets are on Notre Dame. That said, this page is updated frequently so make sure that you click on the link provided so that you’re getting the most updated information.
Howard struggles in win over Texas
Will Howard was 24-for-33 passing for 289 yards, one touchdown and one interception during Friday’s 28-14 victory versus Texas. He also had seven rushes for four yards. Howard’s last game against Texas was with Kansas State in 2023, and he logged four touchdowns against the Longhorns then. Friday marked Howard’s worst performance of the postseason, as he logged his fewest passing yards and touchdowns since Ohio State concluded its 2024 regular season with an upset loss against Michigan. But since then, the Buckeyes have regrouped into a formidable force and did not need much from their offense to defeat Texas. Howard enters the national championship game having completed 73.9 percent of his last 88 passes for 919 yards and a 6-2 TD-INT ratio.
Love good to go for Monday
Jeremiyah Love (knee) is healthy ahead of Monday’s CFB National Championship game, Pete Nakos of On3.com reports. Love’s been limited to 17 carries for 64 yards in his last two games after aggravating a knee injury against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. However, it appears that Love will be a full-go in Monday’s title game, providing much relief to Notre Dame. The sophomore’s rushed for 1,121 yards with 17 touchdowns through 15 games this year.
Ohio State vs. Notre Dame CFP Betting Trends
Ohio State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Notre Dame
Buckeyes are 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
Notre Dame is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Notre Dame is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Ohio State vs. Notre Dame CFP Prediction
Take Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish don’t have the same number of 5-star recruits as Ohio State. They don’t have an explosive offense. They’re arguably not even as battle-tested as Ohio State. But one thing is for sure: Marcus Freeman will have the Golden Domers prepared tonight in Atlanta.
Two things that always play in football: Defense and the ability to run the ball. Notre Dame has both qualities. Not many teams threw the ball on the Fighting Irish this season. To think the Buckeyes will do it with ease is a big assumption. ND also has the defensive line to hold the Buckeyes’ rushing attack in check and to get after Howard. And while Ohio State is outstanding defensively as well, Leonard always seems to make plays with his legs to keep drives alive.
The bottom line is that this is too many points to hand a Notre Dame team in the midst of a magical run.
Ohio State vs. Notre Dame CFP Prediction: NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH +8.5