The inaugural field of 12 teams is reduced to two and the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship Game is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 20 between the No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes (13-2) and No. 7 Notre Dame (14 -1). ). Ohio State beat Tennessee and Oregon in the CFP bracket before posting a 28-14 victory over Texas in the semifinals thanks in large part to defensive end Jack Sawyer’s 83-yard fumble return to a touchdown. Notre Dame relied on its consistent defense and some timely offensive plays to get past Indiana, Georgia and Penn State and advance to the national title game. Notre Dame starting offensive tackle Anthonie Knapp (ankle) and defensive lineman Rylie Mills (knee) have both been ruled out.
Kickoff from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. After opening at -9.5, the Buckeyes are now 8.5-point favorites in the latest Ohio State vs. Notre Dame odds via SportsLine consensus, while the over/under on total points scored is 46.5. Before making any Notre Dame vs. Ohio State picks, check out the college football predictions from the SportsLine Projection Model.
The model simulates each FBS game 10,000 times. Since its inception, it has generated a betting profit well over $2,000 for $100 players on its top-rated college football picks. He went 43-36 on top-rated college football picks during the 2024 season, and was a profitable 27-16 combined on the money line and plus/minus picks. He’s also called seven of the eight outright winners of the College Football Playoff bracket so far. Anyone who follows sports betting and betting apps would have seen some impressive returns.
Now the model has set its sights on Ohio State vs. Notre Dame. You can head to SportsLine to see his picks. Here are several college football betting lines and trends for Notre Dame vs. Ohio State:
- Ohio State Spread vs. Notre Dame: Ohio State -8.5
- Ohio State vs. Notre Dame plus/minus: 46.5 points
- Ohio State Money Line vs. Notre Dame: Ohio State -365, Notre Dame +286
- OSU: 9-6 against the spread this season
- ND: 12-2-1 against the spread this season
- Ohio State vs. Notre Dame Picks: See the picks at SportsLine
- Stream Ohio State vs. Notre Dame: FuboTV (Try Free)
Why Ohio State can cover
A stunning loss to Michigan in the regular season finale left head coach Ryan Day’s future in doubt and many questions about Ohio State’s legitimacy as a title contender. However, the Buckeyes regrouped and took the CFP bracket by storm, defeating their three opponents by a combined score of 111-52. Quarterback Will Howard and Jeremiah Smith were an unstoppable combination in the first two games.
With Smith and Texas’ offense better controlled in the semifinals, it was Ohio State’s top-ranked defense that saved the day. The Buckeyes held strong near the goal line as Texas looked to equalize late, setting up Sawyer’s heroics. A Caleb Downs interception sealed the victory for OSU on the next drive. The Buckeyes covered and won by double digits in all three playoff games, giving them the opportunity to overtake the Irish en route to a title. Find out which team to choose here.
Why Notre Dame can cover
Oddsmakers and punters have significantly underestimated Notre Dame since the Irish were stunned by Northern Illinois in Week 2. The Irish have won 13 straight since then and only two wins in that span were one-possession games as they went 11-1-1 against the spread. during this period. Like the Buckeyes, Notre Dame has an elite defense. The Irish rank second nationally with just 14.3 points per game allowed and this unit has shined in the CFP, allowing an average of 17 points per game against three talented offenses.
Offensively, the Irish are powered by a rushing attack that ranks 14th nationally. Running back Jeremiah Love (159-1121-17) was one of the most efficient backs in the country averaging 7.1 yards per carry. He is dealing with a knee injury and the 11-day gap between games should benefit him. Quarterback Riley Leonard completed 66.4 percent of his passes this season and was the team’s second-leading rusher with 866 yards, while running back Jadarian Price was also a big contributor on the ground with 733 yards. Find out which team to choose here.
How to make choices between Ohio State and Notre Dame
The model exceeds the total with the model projecting a total of 48 points. It also indicates that one side of the gap occurs in well over 50% of simulations. You can only get the pick at SportsLine.
So who does Ohio State win against Notre Dame, and which side of the spread hits well over 50% of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Ohio State vs. Notre Dame spread to jump on, all from the advanced model that costs well over $2,000 on its college football picks, and find out.
