While the Notre Dame Fighting Irish has proven to be a formidable contender, the Ohio State Buckeyes have established themselves as the clear favorites heading into the College Football Playoff (CFP) title game on January 20. With a roster brimming with talent and experience, Ohio State is poised to make a significant impact in this championship matchup.
Ohio State’s Dominance in the CFP
The Buckeyes have been riding a wave of momentum since the conclusion of the quarterfinal round. Their performance has solidified their status as the team to beat in the CFP final. With a combination of skill and depth, Ohio State has demonstrated why they are viewed as the more talented team compared to Notre Dame.
Yet, as we all know in college football, anything can happen. The new 12-team playoff format has introduced an element of unpredictability, but Ohio State’s consistent excellence makes them deserving of their favorite status. Let’s delve into three key reasons why Ryan Day and the Buckeyes are expected to triumph over Marcus Freeman’s Fighting Irish.
3 reasons why Ohio State will prevail
#1. A massive talent gap
When we talk about the talent disparity between these two programs, the numbers speak volumes. A recent top 50 NFL draft board highlighted five Ohio State players among the top prospects for the upcoming 2025 NFL draft. In stark contrast, Notre Dame had none.
Moreover, in terms of recruiting, Ohio State’s starting lineup is projected to feature seven five-star recruits, while Notre Dame is expected to have none. This is not just a minor detail; it underscores a significant difference in the caliber of athletes each team is bringing to the field. At the end of the day, no amount of strategic planning can bridge such a substantial talent gap.
#2. Lack of elite Notre Dame receivers
One of the most pressing challenges for Notre Dame is their lack of elite wide receivers. This deficiency could turn their offensive strategy into a one-dimensional approach, making it easier for Ohio State to defend against them. Currently, Notre Dame does not have any receivers with over 40 catches or 500 receiving yards. Their leading receiver in terms of catches is tight end Mitchell Evans, while Jaden Greathouse, the yardage leader, has more games with under 10 yards receiving than with over 100 yards.
While Notre Dame’s running game is respectable, the absence of top-tier passing targets means Ohio State can focus on shutting down the run. This will allow the Buckeyes to crowd the box, creating chaos for the Fighting Irish’s offense.
#3. Red zone defense
Ohio State’s defense is not just good; it’s exceptional. The Buckeyes currently lead the FBS in scoring allowed, giving up just 12.2 points per game, and they also rank first in yardage allowed, with only 251.1 yards per game. However, one aspect of their defense that deserves more attention is their red-zone performance.
When opponents enter Ohio State’s red zone (the 20-yard line), they score points only 61.1% of the time, which ranks second best in the FBS, trailing only Army. Even more impressive is that those opponents manage to score touchdowns just 41.67% of the time, again ranking second, this time just behind Penn State by a narrow margin.
In the CFP semifinal against Texas, a critical red-zone stop proved to be the turning point. If Notre Dame hopes to keep pace with Ohio State, they will need to find a way to convert drives into points against a historically strong red-zone defense.
Looking Ahead to the Championship Game
As the Buckeyes prepare to face the Fighting Irish in the CFP national championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Ohio State’s combination of talent, defensive prowess, and strategic advantages paints a promising picture for their chances of walking away as champions.
The matchup is not just about statistics; it’s about heart, determination, and the will to win. Ryan Day has cultivated a team that not only excels on paper but also possesses the mental fortitude to perform under pressure.
So, as we gear up for this exhilarating showdown, the question remains: Who will emerge victorious when the Ohio State Buckeyes take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish? Will it be Ohio State’s depth and experience that carry them to victory, or will Notre Dame find a way to upset the odds?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below! The excitement is palpable, and college football fans are in for a treat as these two storied programs clash for the ultimate prize.
