It’s the game for all the marbles as Notre Dame and Ohio State, two storied programs, meet in Atlanta for the national title as the College Football Playoff concludes. If there were a title to this game, it would be “Momentum versus Magic.” Ohio State has had the momentum throughout the four-week playoff, while Notre Dame continues to pull rabbits out of its hat.
Ohio State vs Notre Dame championship game preview
Neither Ohio State nor Notre Dame had the luxury of a bye when the playoffs began, and the title game represents the fourth contest for each team. The stakes are high, and the excitement is palpable as fans gear up for what promises to be a thrilling showdown.
Ohio State enters the game as clear favorites
There is no escaping that every matchup in this game favors Ohio State, some by wide margins. The Buckeyes have never been behind at any point during their three playoff games, leading wire to wire in the first two, often by huge margins. Yet, one would be hard-pressed to find a matchup against Georgia or Penn State where the Irish weren’t deficient.
The Irish offensive line struggled against the defensive lines of Georgia and Penn State, and now they face an even tougher challenge. The Buckeyes’ front four is on another level. Tyleik Williams has been having a terrific season and has turned it up even more since the playoffs began. If he’s not making plays, he’s creating havoc and allowing teammates to get to the ball.
Notre Dame’s underdog story
Despite being underdogs, Notre Dame has shown resilience and determination throughout the playoffs. They easily handled Indiana in their first game, as expected. But in the following weeks, they pulled off surprising victories against Georgia and Penn State, teams that many thought would overmatch the Irish. Once again, Notre Dame finds itself in the role of the big underdog in the College Football Playoff.
Jack Sawyer elevated his game to a whole new level against Texas. His scoop and score to seal victory against the Longhorns will forever live in Buckeyes lore. The snap just prior was crucial, as Sawyer penetrated the line of scrimmage and deflected a Quinn Ewers pass, preventing Texas from getting a fresh set of downs at the goal line.
Key players to watch
Buckeyes linebacker Cody Simon has played brilliantly, proving to be a three-down defender who dominates against the run and can cover the pass. He made several key plays against the Oregon aerial attack during the Rose Bowl. Meanwhile, JT Tuimoloau has also been a force, showcasing the terrific pass-rushing skills everyone knew he possessed.
After two solid games, the Buckeyes’ secondary struggled against Texas, giving up impactful plays and getting flagged for several poor pass-interference penalties. This could be an area that Notre Dame’s senior quarterback, Riley Leonard, may be able to exploit. Leonard has been efficient since the start of the playoffs, leading Notre Dame to victory by throwing the ball or running with it. Tight end Mitchell Evans has emerged as one of Leonard’s favorite targets, and no one on the Buckeyes defense has the size to match up with him.
Offensive strategies and vulnerabilities
The Ohio State offensive line has faced its share of challenges due to injuries, but the revamped line has developed since November and is playing good football. The Irish have several next-level players up front, including Howard Cross III and RJ Oben, who could disrupt the Buckeyes’ game plan on offense. If they can’t, Ohio State will chew them up on the ground or through the air.
The Buckeyes boast a double-headed running back duo of Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson. Judkins is a battering ram with a violent style, while Henderson is the playmaker who can break games open. If the Irish cannot pressure Will Howard, the Buckeyes quarterback will have a field day throwing to receivers Emeka Egbuka, Carnell Tate, and freshman sensation Jeremiah Smith, who was quiet against Texas. Don’t sleep on tight end Gee Scott Jr., who has made his presence felt since the start of the playoffs.
Score prediction and final thoughts
So can Ohio State keep the momentum going? Or does Notre Dame still have a little magic left in the tank? On paper, the Buckeyes are head and shoulders above the Irish, and the clock may finally strike midnight on Cinderella.
The final score prediction for this highly anticipated matchup is Ohio State 42, Notre Dame 17. As the teams take the field, fans will be on the edge of their seats, eager to see if the Buckeyes can maintain their dominance or if the Irish can conjure up another magical performance. The stage is set for an unforgettable championship clash!
