As the biggest college football game of the season approaches, Ohio State and Notre Dame offer an intriguing matchup. Bettors are eagerly searching for insights that could provide them with an edge ahead of the College Football Playoff (CFP) title game. With so much at stake, let’s dive into five key points to consider when placing your prop bets for this thrilling encounter.
Analyzing the first drive bets
One of the most entertaining prop bets revolves around what happens on the first drive of the game. For Notre Dame, the odds of having to punt on their opening possession sit at around -140. This trend has been consistent, as the Irish have faced challenges in their previous three CFP games, resulting in an interception and two punts on their first drives. With this history, it’s hard to ignore the likelihood of a similar outcome.
In contrast, Ohio State has been impressive on their opening drives, scoring a touchdown in each of their three CFP games. The odds for a touchdown on the Buckeyes’ first possession hover around +165, making it a tempting option for bettors looking to capitalize on their strong start.
First quarter spread insights
Building on the first drive analysis, another solid betting opportunity lies in the first quarter points spread. Currently, Ohio State is favored at -2.5. Given the trends observed in their opening possessions, this seems like a reasonable bet. If the Buckeyes score a touchdown while the Irish are forced to punt, it’s challenging to envision a scenario where Ohio State doesn’t perform well in the opening quarter.
Mitchell Evans’ receiving yards
When it comes to Notre Dame’s passing game, tight end Mitchell Evans has emerged as a key target. However, the Irish face significant challenges, particularly with injuries affecting their offensive line. This situation is compounded by the fact that they will be up against Ohio State, which boasts the top scoring defense in the nation and excels at creating negative plays.
Due to these factors, Evans may find himself more involved in blocking than in receiving, which could limit his yardage. The break-even point for Evans’s receiving totals appears to be around 34 yards. Given the potential need for pass-blocking support, betting on the under for his receiving yards could be a wise choice, especially if Ohio State takes an early lead.
Offensive MVP picks to consider
Another exciting prop betting opportunity is selecting the game’s offensive MVP. For Notre Dame to pull off an upset, quarterback Riley Leonard will need to shine. His unique blend of running ability and passing skills could keep the Irish competitive. If he leads his team to victory, he is a solid pick for offensive MVP at odds of -500.
On the other side, Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith is looking to bounce back after a quiet performance against Texas, where he recorded just one catch for three yards. Betting on Smith to have a standout game and potentially claim the offensive MVP title at around +360 could be a smart move for Buckeye fans. While Will Howard may be the favorite, Smith presents an intriguing alternative.
Betting on Jeremiyah Love
If Notre Dame aims to challenge Ohio State effectively, their ground game will be crucial. If Riley Leonard isn’t the one making the big plays, then banged-up running back Jeremiyah Love could be a key player. Despite only accumulating 65 yards in his last two games, Love has the potential to make a significant impact. Betting on him to rush for 100 yards is currently priced at about +1100, making it a worthwhile consideration for Irish supporters.
Final thoughts on prop betting
As the anticipation builds for this monumental clash between Ohio State and Notre Dame, prop betting adds an extra layer of excitement for fans and bettors alike. With various angles to consider—from first drive outcomes to individual player performances—there’s no shortage of opportunities to engage with the game.
What do you think about our prop tips? Are you ready to place your bets and join the excitement of the CFP title game? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
