The countdown to the College Football Playoff National Championship is underway, set to showcase two storied programs: the No. 7-seeded Notre Dame Fighting Irish (14-1) and the No. 8-seeded Ohio State Buckeyes (13-2). Fans are gearing up for the showdown at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Monday, January 20, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. ET, with the championship absorbing national attention.
Leading up to the game, Ohio State stands as the clear favorite, currently listed as 9-point favorites by BetMGM. Despite being the lower seed, the Buckeyes have displayed dominating performances throughout the playoffs, taking down top teams including Tennessee and Texas by impressive margins.
Television coverage of the anticipated matchup will be provided by ESPN, and for those without cable, various streaming platforms such as FuboTV, DirecTV Stream, and Hulu + Live TV are ready to offer access to the event. FuboTV even provides free trial options, making it easy for fans to catch the action without financial commitment.
This championship game marks the culmination of the inaugural 12-team playoff format. Not only does it expand opportunities for teams to compete for the title, but both Ohio State and Notre Dame have proved themselves resilient, overcoming early season losses.
Ohio State’s path to the championship has been characterized by resilience. Following their unexpected home loss to Michigan, the Buckeyes have responded emphatically, showcasing their potential against formidable opponents. They held significant victories at the Cotton Bowl against Texas, largely driven by their defense, exemplified by Jack Sawyer's pivotal touchdown off of a fumble recovery late in the game.
Conversely, Notre Dame began its season with disappointment, suffering defeat against Northern Illinois, but regrouped and rallied to 13 consecutive wins leading to the championship game. This resilient streak includes playoff victories over Indiana, Georgia, and Penn State.
Both teams have entered with momentum, but with differences in their playoff journeys. Ohio State has not trailed during any of its playoff matches, whereas Notre Dame showcased its ability to overcome adversity, with their semifinal victory against Penn State marked by a thrilling last-second field goal.
The defensive showdown becomes another focal point, as Notre Dame prides itself on one of the nation’s top defenses, having limited opponents to 14.3 points on average this season. Meanwhile, Ohio State counters with equal stature, allowing merely 12.2 points per game—setting the stage for what could become one of the most tactical matchups.
Ohio State's quarterback, Will Howard, has shone during this playoff season. Displaying impressive statistics as he capitalizes on passes to star wide receivers such as Emeka Egbuka and freshman Jeremiah Smith, Howard has demonstrated his capability throughout their playoff run.
On the other hand, Notre Dame's coach Marcus Freeman, facing his alma mater, has his own motivation. He seeks to become the first Black head coach to win the FBS national championship, hoping to use this moment to solidify his legacy.
The stakes have escalated beyond just the game; both teams are on the cusp of adding significant hardware to their already illustrious history. Ohio State, boasting eight national titles—the last one won since 2014—aims for another chapter of success, whereas the Fighting Irish seek their first national championship since 1988.
Adding to the playoff drama, crowds at Mercedes-Benz Stadium are expected to be electric, with Ohio State fans slightly outnumbering those from Notre Dame based on previous meetups. This familial rivalry is built not just on tradition but also on the passionate followings these universities command, promising exciting energy inside the arena.
Betting odds for the championship game are creating buzz; the over/under is set at 45.5 points, indicating expectations for potentially low-scoring, defensive performance due to the strength of both teams’ teams. Key statistics reveal Notre Dame emerged as one of the leaders this season, requiring players to capitalize on any opportunities presented to them.
With the kickoff approaching, players from each team, equipped with their skills and strategies along with fervent supporter bases, are geared to deliver on football's biggest stage. Will Ohio State continue its dominance, or will Notre Dame's perseverance prove just enough to seize the trophy?
One thing is certain: no matter the outcome, the championship game promises to be monumental, echoing throughout collegiate football lore. College football fans around the country will keep their eyes glued to the television and impulse tickets held tightly as the momentous clash nears and the ultimate victor is decided.