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The stage is set for a historic showdown in the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship. On Monday, Jan. 20, the No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes (13-2) and the No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (14-1) will clash at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Both teams have battled through a challenging inaugural 12-team playoff field, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Road to the Championship

Ohio State dominated Tennessee and Oregon in earlier playoff rounds before grinding out a 28-14 semifinal victory against Texas. Defensive end Jack Sawyer’s pivotal 83-yard fumble return for a touchdown sealed the win. Meanwhile, Notre Dame’s playoff journey has been marked by defensive prowess and clutch performances, as they toppled Indiana, Georgia, and Penn State to punch their ticket to the championship game.

Betting Lines and Trends

According to the latest odds, Ohio State is an 8.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 46 points. Here are some key betting insights:

Spread: Ohio State -8.5

Over/Under: 46 points

Money Line: Ohio State -358, Notre Dame +282

Against the Spread: Ohio State 9-6 this season; Notre Dame 12-2-1 this season.

Why Ohio State Can Cover

Ohio State rebounded impressively after a tough regular-season loss to Michigan. Head coach Ryan Day’s team has steamrolled its playoff competition, outscoring opponents 111-52. Quarterback Will Howard has been exceptional, particularly in tandem with wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Though Texas managed to slow their offensive juggernaut, Ohio State’s defense stepped up. Jack Sawyer’s fumble return and Caleb Downs’ game-sealing interception highlighted the Buckeyes’ depth and resilience.

The Buckeyes’ ability to adapt in high-pressure situations and capitalize on big plays makes them formidable favorites heading into Monday night.

Why Notre Dame Can Cover

Notre Dame’s resilience has been its hallmark. Since a shocking Week 2 loss to Northern Illinois, the Irish have rattled off 13 consecutive wins, including a dominant playoff run where they allowed just 17 points per game. Their defense, ranked second nationally in scoring, has been a force to reckon with, shutting down some of the nation’s most potent offenses.

Offensively, the Irish boast a strong ground game led by Jeremiyah Love, who averaged 7.1 yards per carry and scored 17 touchdowns this season. Quarterback Riley Leonard provides versatility, having contributed both as a passer and a rusher. With running back Jadarian Price also in the mix, the Irish have the tools to exploit Ohio State’s defense.

What the Model Says

SportsLine’s advanced projection model has simulated the game 10,000 times and offers some intriguing insights:

Projected Total Points: The model leans slightly toward the Over (46 points), projecting 48 total points.

Winning Percentage: One side of the spread hits in over 60% of simulations.

Final Thoughts

As these two powerhouse programs prepare to collide, fans can expect a hard-fought battle that showcases the best of college football. Will Ohio State’s offensive firepower and defensive heroics secure another championship for the Buckeyes? Or will Notre Dame’s gritty defense and balanced offense deliver the Fighting Irish their first title in decades?