Ohio State vs. Notre Dame: National Championship Showdown!

A thrilling clash awaits as Ohio State (8-seed) and Notre Dame (7-seed) gear up for the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff National Championship this Monday at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This marks a historic encounter, as it will be the ninth meeting between these two college football giants, and the third consecutive season they have squared off against one another—a record streak in their brief rivalry.

In their previous encounter in 2023, Ohio State edged out Notre Dame with a nail-biting 17-14 victory in South Bend, Indiana. The shadows of history loom large, as Notre Dame has not managed to defeat Ohio State since the 1936 season—falling to the Buckeyes in their last six matchups. The Fighting Irish's only victories over Ohio State came back in 1935 and 1936.

Both teams boast a rich postseason history, previously meeting in the Fiesta Bowl in 2006 and 2016, with Ohio State coming out on top in both instances.

Ohio State's Dominance in the Playoffs

The Buckeyes have proven their strength throughout the College Football Playoff, showcasing sheer dominance in their initial games. Their playoff journey thus far includes a crushing victory over the top-seeded Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl, followed by a strong 28-14 win against Texas in the Cotton Bowl. Key moments included Jack Sawyer’s decisive strip-sack and 83-yard return for a touchdown against Texas, securing their place in the championship.

Notre Dame's Tenacity Under Pressure

Notre Dame has likewise impressed in the playoffs, showcasing resilience and skill. The Fighting Irish dispatched Indiana in the first round and delivered an upset over SEC champions Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. They sealed their Orange Bowl victory against Penn State with a dramatic last-second field goal, marking a groundbreaking achievement by becoming the first team in college football history to win two bowl games in the same season.

Key Matchups and Injuries

Ohio State's standout freshman, Jeremiah Smith, has had a mixed playoff performance, struggling against a robust Texas defense. In previous matchups, he showcased significant potential with 13 catches for 290 yards and four touchdowns. His performance will be pivotal against a Notre Dame defense keen on learning from Texas's strategies to contain him.

In contrast, Notre Dame has faced challenges with injuries. With critical players such as defensive linemen Jordan Botelho and Boubacar Traore, offensive lineman Ashton Craig, and cornerback Benjamin Morrison sidelined since October, their depth could be tested further. The absence of leading sack artist Rylie Mills and left tackle Anthonie Knapp adds another layer of concern for the Irish as they prepare to go toe-to-toe with the formidable Buckeyes.

Defensive Showdown

Fans can expect a tactical defensive battle, as both teams are among the top in the nation for scoring defense—Ohio State allowing just 12.2 points per game and Notre Dame following closely at 14.3. With both squads boasting elite pass-defensive metrics, expect a low-scoring, physical encounter filled with strategy and execution.

Game Details for Fans

- **Date:** Monday, January 20 - **Time:** 7:30 p.m. ET - **Location:** Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta - **TV Coverage:** ESPN - **Live Stream:** Available on platforms like fuboTV.

Betting and Expert Predictions

As the betting line stands, Ohio State is favored at -8.5. Various CBS Sports experts have shared insights: - **Dennis Dodd** sees a potential path for Notre Dame but leans toward Ohio State securing a close win: **Prediction: Ohio State 24, Notre Dame 17**. - **Chip Patterson** believes Ohio State will maintain control throughout the game despite impressive Fighting Irish resilience: **Prediction: Ohio State 31, Notre Dame 20**. - **Tom Fornelli** expresses doubts in Notre Dame’s offensive capability but acknowledges their solid performance this season: **Prediction: Ohio State 24, Notre Dame 14**. - **David Cobb** expects Ohio State to ultimately pull away late in the game: **Prediction: Ohio State 24, Notre Dame 13**.

With high stakes on the line, all eyes will be on this electrifying matchup! Will Ohio State reclaim dominance, or will Notre Dame defy history? One thing is certain: college football fans are in for a spectacular national championship game!