Introduction

As we gear up for one of the most anticipated matchups in college football history, the Ohio State Buckeyes stand tall as the most talented team in the nation. They have showcased exceptional performance over the past month and are currently the heavy favorites to clinch the national championship title. Yet, history teaches us that maintaining that status isn’t guaranteed.

Reflecting on its last national championship victory a decade ago, Ohio State, led by third-string quarterback Cardale Jones, entered as a six-point underdog against Heisman winner Marcus Mariota and the Oregon Ducks, emerging triumphant with a staggering 22-point blowout. Furthermore, their other championship win this century also came as underdogs, snapping Miami's impressive 34-game winning streak. However, the Buckeyes also faced disheartening defeats, such as their blowout loss to Florida during an undefeated season in 2006.

Current Odds and Predictions

As Ohio State gears up to face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the odds are stacked in their favor. However, should they triumph, they could become the first two-loss national champion in 17 years. While Ohio State’s peak performance could potentially humiliate Notre Dame, the specter of underperformance looms large from their earlier games. After all, the Buckeyes were recently limited to a mere 10 points against a 21-point favorite, and they demonstrated vulnerability by narrowly escaping the Texas and Penn State games with tense goal-line stands.

With head coach Ryan Day’s playoff experience marred by a staggering 38-point loss in his only national championship appearance, and quarterback Will Howard tossing five interceptions in the last five outings, questions abound regarding Ohio State's true potential. Additionally, their star wide receiver, Jeremiah Smith, managed only one catch for three yards in the semifinals, highlighting concerns about their aerial attack.

On the other side, Notre Dame boasts a commendable record with 13 straight wins and a solid defense that ranks second in the nation. The Irish have excelled in maintaining discipline and forcing turnovers, showcasing their forte in the playoff with an average of allowing only 17 points per game. Despite this impressive streak, the onset of injuries along their offensive line could hinder their chances against a formidable Ohio State defense, one that is adept at stopping both the run and the pass rush.

Recent Encounters

Recent histories between the two teams prove engaging. During the 2022-23 season, Ohio State came out on top, but the Irish managed to hold the Buckeyes to an average of just 19 points across their two encounters.

The Surprise Factor

In college football’s unpredictable landscape, historical mismatches of this nature often lead to unexpected surprises. Since the BCS era commenced in 1998, favorites of six points or more have encountered their fair share of upset losses, posting a 6-8 record in such matchups, and only covering the spread about 28% of the time.

While doubting Notre Dame’s ability to score enough for victory can be tempting, envisioning a tightly contested game marked by grit and resolve doesn’t seem far-fetched.

Final Prediction

Bet on Notre Dame +8.5. Despite their setbacks, placing faith in the Fighting Irish as underdogs presents an intriguing opportunity. Stay tuned for what promises to be a rollercoaster ride in the quest for college football supremacy!