College Football Playoff Showdown: Ohio State Favored to Win National Title
The College Football Playoff National Championship game is set to kick off on Monday, January 8, at 7:30 p.m. ET, with the Ohio State Buckeyes facing off against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Ohio State is currently favored to win, with a 9.5-point advantage over Notre Dame.¹
*Key Matchup Stats*
– *Spread*: Ohio State -9.5 points
– *Over/Under*: 45.5 points
– *Money Line*: Ohio State -408, Notre Dame +315
*Team Analysis*
*Ohio State Strengths*
– *Talented Roster*: Ohio State boasts an impressive roster, with standout players like Jeremiah Smith, Emeka Egbuka, TreVeyon Henderson, and Quinshon Judkins.
– *Strong Defense*: The Buckeyes have allowed just 12.2 points per game, with a stout secondary led by Caleb Downs, Denzel Burke, and Davison Igbinosun.
*Notre Dame’s Chances*
– *Resilient Team*: Despite facing injuries and adversity, Notre Dame has shown remarkable resilience, with a “next man up” mentality.
– *Key Players*: The Fighting Irish rely on players like Xavier Watts, Jack Kiser, and Howard Cross III to drive their defense.
*Expert Predictions*
CBS Sports experts have shared their picks, with some favoring Ohio State’s balanced attack and others backing Notre Dame’s ability to pull off an upset. Thomas Casale, a sports betting expert, recommends playing under 45.
