In the new College Football Playoff format, 12 teams competed for a chance at the national title. Ultimately, it was two teams outside of the top four seeds that advanced to the championship game. The matchup for the College Football Playoff national championship is set, featuring the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Ohio State Buckeyes.
The No. 7 seeded Fighting Irish are set to compete for their 12th title and their first since 1988 after defeating the Penn State Nittany Lions 27-24 in the Capital One Orange Bowl. Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard was the standout player for the Fighting Irish. Despite taking a late hit in the second quarter and needing to clear concussion protocol, Leonard returned to the game and led the offense on four scoring drives. He finished with 223 passing yards and a trip to the national title game.
The Buckeyes thwarted the Texas Longhorns‘ title game aspirations by defeating them 28-14 in front of a Texas crowd at the Cotton Bowl. Quarterback Will Howard was impressive, completing 72.7 percent of his passes and throwing for one touchdown. However, it was defensive end Jack Sawyer, who was a former roommate of Quinn Ewers during their time at Ohio State, that provided a crucial boost for the Buckeyes. Sawyer stripped the ball from the Longhorns quarterback and returned the fumble for an 83-yard touchdown.
The stage is set for a thrilling CFP national championship game as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish face the Ohio State Buckeyes. Here is everything to know ahead of kick off.
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CFP National Championship predictions: Ohio State vs. Notre Dame
ESPN: Ohio State has a 55% chance to win
According to ESPN Matchup Predictor, the Ohio State Buckeyes have a 55.3% chance to beat the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the College Football Playoff National Championship game.
CBS Sports: A majority pick Ohio State
A majority of CBS Sports writers predict that the Ohio State Buckeyes will defeat the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The 8-seed Ohio State opens as a 9.5-point favorite over the 7-seed Notre Dame in Atlanta.
Sporting News: Ohio State 27, Notre Dame 17
Bill Bender writes: “Both teams averaged more than 4.0 yards per carry in the last meeting, and neither team committed a turnover. Offensive coordinators Chip Kelly and Mike Denbrock would both take that, but it would still favor Ohio State. Notre Dame is going to have to rip several pages from Michigan’s game plan and get a few huge plays in special teams to have a chance to pull this upset. It just looks like this Ohio State team has learned from those mistakes. It might be tight at halftime, but the third-quarter TD drive by Ohio State will give the necessary breathing room, and a TD pass from Howard to Smith will help build a 10-point lead the Buckeyes keep en route to winning Day’s first national championship with the school. “
Tickets to the CFP National Championship with StubHub
CFP National Championship odds, lines: Ohio State vs. Notre Dame
The Ohio State Buckeyes are favorites to defeat the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, according to BetMGM.
Odds as of Saturday, Jan. 11
- Spread: Ohio State (-9.5)
- Moneylines: Ohio State (-400); Texas (+300)
- Over/under: 45.5
How to watch Ohio State vs. Notre Dame in the CFP National Championship
- Date: Monday, Jan. 20
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN
- Stream: Fubo
- Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA)
Stream Live:Catch CFP National Championship game with a Fubo subscription
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