Notre Dame is no stranger to high-stakes matchups, and it finds itself in the spotlight once again as it prepares to face the Ohio State Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game on January 20. This clash has reignited memories of the legendary “Catholics vs. Convicts” game against the Miami Hurricanes back in 1988, and now, 36 years later, the Fighting Irish are being embraced as the “likeable” good guys in this epic showdown.
Paul Finebaum explains the narrative
In the eyes of college football analyst Paul Finebaum, the narrative surrounding this matchup is clear. “I’ve always cringed about some of the dislike of Notre Dame where I grew up in the South – it had nothing to do with football and had everything to do with religion,” Finebaum shared on The Matt Barrie Show podcast. “Fortunately, this Irish squad is the antithesis of that. This is a very likeable Notre Dame team, and I find almost everyone I know is cheering for Notre Dame because Ohio State is now like the bad guys on the street.”
Ohio State as the bad guys
Indeed, the Buckeyes have earned a reputation that casts them in a less-than-favorable light. With a reported $20 million NIL allotment, they’ve become synonymous with the perception of paying top dollar for talent. This narrative is amplified by their roster, which features high-profile transfers like quarterback Will Howard from Kansas State, running back Quinshon Judkins from Ole Miss, and star safety Caleb Downs from Alabama. It’s no wonder that many fans see Ohio State as the “bad guys” in this championship battle.
The Fighting Irish’s journey
While the Buckeyes have been viewed as the favorites throughout the season, the Fighting Irish have had to navigate a more challenging path. After suffering a setback against Northern Illinois in Week 2, Notre Dame fought tooth and nail to reach the championship game. This resilience is a testament to the leadership of head coach Marcus Freeman, who has transformed the program and rallied his players to overcome adversity. “I think that is the story of the year in college football,” Finebaum noted, praising Freeman’s efforts.
Odds and expectations
As the championship game approaches, oddsmakers have placed their bets on the Buckeyes, currently favored by 8.5 points over the Fighting Irish, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. This line reflects the overwhelming talent on Ohio State’s roster, but it also adds to the intrigue of the matchup. Can Notre Dame, with its blue-collar mentality and team-first approach, pull off the upset against the heavily favored Buckeyes?
The likeable underdogs
What makes this game even more compelling is the underdog status of Notre Dame. Unlike many other programs that have relied on high-profile transfers, the Fighting Irish have focused on developing their talent. “They’re not playing for the national championship with Ole Miss’ running back and Alabama’s defensive back,” Finebaum remarked. “I mean, they’ve developed players. They’ve gone out and brought in players from Duke and other schools, just like Indiana did, but ultimately they found a way and they beat some good programs along the way.”
A game to remember
This championship game promises to be a memorable clash of styles. On one side, you have the star-studded roster of Ohio State, brimming with talent and expectations. On the other, there’s the Fighting Irish, a team that embodies the spirit of college football with its grit, determination, and a fanbase that rallies behind them. Will the Buckeyes live up to their billing as the favorites, or will Notre Dame’s underdog story capture the hearts of fans across the nation?
As the countdown to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game continues, excitement is building. The stakes are high, and the narratives are rich. Will it be Ohio State, the team that many see as the bad guys, or will Notre Dame, the likeable underdog, rise to the occasion and claim the championship? One thing is for sure: this game will be one for the ages, showcasing the best of what college football has to offer.
