2025 CFP National Championship Game Preview

As the College Football Playoff transitions to 12 teams this season, anticipation builds for the 2025 National Championship game on Monday, January 20 at 7:30 p.m. ET. This year’s thrilling postseason will conclude with a fierce showdown between two college football titans: Ohio State and Notre Dame. Both programs showcased their dominance to reach this final stage, with Ohio State delivering commanding wins against the likes of Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas, all with victories of 14 points or more. Meanwhile, Notre Dame overcame formidable adversaries, taking down Indiana, Georgia, and Penn State.

In what promises to be an epic clash, the latest odds project Ohio State as an 8.5-point favorite against Notre Dame, with a total points over/under set at 46.5. The Buckeyes are favored on the money line at -368, while the Fighting Irish sit at +289. With a wealth of betting opportunities available, it’s crucial for fans and bettors alike to analyze expert picks and predictions ahead of kickoff.

Expert Betting Insights: Defensive Powerhouses Face Off

One standout figure in the realm of college football betting is expert Thomas Casale, who brings over three decades of experience to the table. Casale has showcased his prowess this season with a 14-7 record in his best bets column, including a perfect 3-0 week that led to a remarkable +600 parlay payoff. His insights are invaluable for anyone looking to maximize their betting potential in this high-stakes championship game.

Casale is keen on an under-the-radar pick for the championship game, advocating for a wager on the total points to go under 46.5. His reasoning lies in the defensive prowess exhibited by both teams throughout the season. Ohio State boasts the nation’s second-best defense, allowing an average of just 12.2 points per game, while Notre Dame is not far behind, conceding 14.3 points per game.

Even when facing playoff-caliber competition, Notre Dame has held opponents to an average of 17 points, and Ohio State has allowed just slightly more at 17.3 points per contest. Both squads have also excelled in limiting offensive yardage, consistently keeping opponents under 300 total yards each game and limiting the air attack to under 170 yards. With nearly two weeks to adjust and strategize, head coaches Marcus Freeman and Jim Knowles are expected to have their defenses finely tuned for this critical matchup.

Casale points out that the health of the Notre Dame offense could significantly impact the game’s scoring potential. "The Irish suffered setbacks on their offensive line in their last game. Injuries to key players like left tackle Anthonie Knapp and right guard Rocco Spindler have left them vulnerable," Casale explains. "Running back Jeremiyah Love has fought through injury but isn't at full strength, making it exponentially tougher to contend against an Ohio State defense that has been virtually impenetrable on the ground."

Key Takeaways for Bettors

As fans gear up for what could be a historic matchup, those wanting to place informed bets should pay close attention to Casale's predictions and insights, especially concerning the implications of defensive strategies and player injuries on the game’s outcome. His breakdown of a must-see spread pick emphasizes that one team has the upper hand in leveraging the low-scoring game to their advantage.

Stay tuned for expert analyses and further insights leading up to the championship, as this matchup not only promises to be a nail-biter but could also yield substantial returns for savvy bettors!