Getting ESPN college football pundit Paul Finebaum fired up isn’t easy. However, in recent weeks, he has taken a bold stance against the Southeastern Conference (SEC) to validate the Big Ten’s emergence as a powerhouse in college football. With the national championship game looming, Finebaum’s insights are more relevant than ever.
Ohio State vs. Notre Dame: A Championship Preview
As the excitement builds for next Monday night’s national championship clash between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Finebaum recently appeared on "The Matt Barrie Show" to share his thoughts. He believes that this game is Ohio State’s to lose. "Given their track record this season, the Buckeyes have shown they can dominate," Finebaum stated, setting the stage for a thrilling matchup.
Notre Dame: A Brand Name with a New Image
Finebaum also weighed in on the significance of Notre Dame’s presence in the title game. "I don’t think it’s a seminal moment in sports," he remarked, suggesting that some may overstate the importance of the Fighting Irish’s return to the championship scene. "Notre Dame has always been a brand name. A lot of people, including myself, have wondered if they need to be in a conference. Now they’ll live another 50 years on, ‘We don’t need to be in a conference anymore.’"
Despite his skepticism, Finebaum acknowledges that this year’s Notre Dame team is different. "There’s a lot of things that go into Notre Dame," he explained. "I’ve always cringed about some of the dislikes of Notre Dame where I grew up in the South. It had nothing to do with football; it had everything to do with religion." He continued, "This is a very likable Notre Dame team, and I find almost everyone I know cheering for them because Ohio State is now like the bad guys on the street because they’re part of the Big Ten."
Pressure on Ohio State’s Coach
The stakes couldn’t be higher for Ohio State’s head coach, Ryan Day. Finebaum pointed out that the pressure on Day is immense, especially after the Buckeyes’ impressive performances against Tennessee and Oregon in the playoffs. "If Notre Dame is to pull off an upset, they must play a near-flawless game," Finebaum warned. Given the Buckeyes’ recent dominance, he believes that a similar outcome could unfold in the championship game.
However, Finebaum is not optimistic about Notre Dame’s chances. "I don’t think that’s gonna happen," he said, predicting a loss for the Fighting Irish. "If it did, there would be a lot of criticism toward Day, especially if it ended badly. A Sark-like call by Ryan Day that gives Notre Dame the win? That’s just not happening."
The Odds Favor the Buckeyes
The oddsmakers seem to agree with Finebaum’s assessment. As of now, BetMGM has the Buckeyes favored by 8.5 points over Notre Dame. This line reflects the confidence in Ohio State’s ability to secure a victory, but as any football fan knows, anything can happen on game day.
Embracing the Underdog Role
As the championship approaches, Notre Dame is embracing its role as the underdog. This narrative adds an extra layer of excitement to the game. Can they rise to the occasion and defy the odds? Fans will be watching closely, hoping for an upset that could shake the college football landscape.
In the end, whether Finebaum’s predictions come to fruition or not, one thing is clear: the anticipation for this national championship is palpable. With the Buckeyes and Fighting Irish set to clash, college football fans are in for a thrilling showdown. Will Ohio State continue its dominance, or will Notre Dame’s underdog spirit shine through? The stage is set, and the countdown to kickoff has begun.
