Introduction

The College Football Playoff (CFP) undergoes its most significant transformation as it expands to 12 teams this season, stirring excitement and anticipation among fans. The pinnacle of this thrilling postseason will unfold on Monday, January 20, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. ET, when college football giants Notre Dame and Ohio State clash for the coveted national championship title.

Team Performances

Both teams have showcased their dominance on the road to the championship. The Ohio State Buckeyes showcased their prowess with convincing victories, outscoring Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas by more than 14 points each. On the other hand, the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame made waves by overcoming formidable opponents, including Indiana, Georgia, and Penn State. This will be a tantalizing rematch, given that these schools have faced off in their regular seasons over the past two years.

Betting Odds

In the latest odds, Ohio State is favored by 8.5 points, with the over/under set at 46.5 points. Before diving into betting, it is essential to consider expert opinions and predictions on this monumental face-off.

Expert Insights

Thomas Casale, a seasoned sports analyst with over 30 years of experience in sports betting, has made a significant name for himself in forecasting college football outcomes. Having tallied a remarkable 14-7 record in his best bets during the season, including a perfect streak towards the end that netted a +600 parlay, his insights are invaluable for bettors.

Predictions

For this match, Casale is focusing on two key predictions that could yield a return of nearly 3-1 if parlayed together. His foremost bet involves the total points, advocating for a wager on the under for the championship game. Both Ohio State and Notre Dame finished as two of the top scoring defenses in the nation this season, allowing only 12.2 and 14.3 points per game, respectively. Notably, Notre Dame has maintained a strong defensive front even during the playoffs, conceding just 17 points per game.

Defensive Strategies

Additionally, both teams have excelled at limiting their opponents' yardage, allowing fewer than 300 total yards and under 170 passing yards on average. With nearly two weeks of preparation, coaches Marcus Freeman and Jim Knowles are expected to implement strategic game plans that emphasize their strong defensive tactics.

Injury Concerns

However, concerns loom over Notre Dame's offense, which has been hampered by injuries. Casale points out that the Fighting Irish will be without two starters from their offensive line, which could critically impact their performance. Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, despite putting up a brave front in the semifinals, is nursing a knee injury, making this matchup even more challenging against an Ohio State defense that allows just 92.6 rushing yards per game.

Conclusion

As the two teams prepare to take the field, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Will the Buckeyes maintain their dominance, or can the Irish find a way to pull off an upset? Bettors and fans alike are eagerly awaiting this showdown that promises to be a battle of strategic defenses and the resilience of a fighting spirit.