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Ohio State vs. Notre Dame: Picks, Predictions and Odds

The Ohio State Buckeyes come into the 2024/25 College Football National Championship as an 8-point favorite over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

These teams are no strangers to each other, having played two tight regular-season games in 2022 and 2023, both narrowly won by Ohio State under head coach Ryan Day. However, this time around, it isn't just a home-and-home September series – it's for the National Championship. 

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman is a former Ohio State linebacker, and we will see if Freeman can beat his alma mater in his third attempt.

The Buckeyes' loss at home to Michigan to end the regular season seemed catastrophic at the time, but it might have been just the spark needed to propel them to their first title in a decade. 

Ohio State vs. Notre Dame betting picks and predictions

Ohio State -8.0 (-110)

Ohio State's dominance in the College Football Playoff makes them a deserving favorite here. The Buckeyes have won their three CFP games by a combined 111-52, and have covered the spread in all three. 

Quarterback Will Howard has been efficient and productive, completing 72.6 percent of his passes during the season and throwing six touchdowns in the CFP. While Howard occasionally makes mistakes – he's thrown 10 interceptions this season – he's excelled when it matters most, showcasing his poise under pressure.

Freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is another name to watch. While Smith was neutralized by Texas' zone defense in the semifinal (one catch, three yards), his explosive potential can't be ignored after racking up 290 yards and four touchdowns in Ohio State's first two Playoff games. 

The Buckeyes will also rely heavily on senior playmakers such as wide receiver Emeka Egbuka and running back TreVeyon Henderson, who have both shined against Notre Dame in each of the last two years. Henderson has combined for 195 yards and a touchdown on 29 carries against the Fighting Irish, while Egbuka has combined for 186 yards and a touchdown on 16 catches. 

Henderson and Egbuka's playoff production has been steady, and their ability to complement stars like Smith and RB Quinshon Judkins provides balance to Ohio State's offense.

Defensively, Ohio State's havoc-wrecking line and talented secondary sets them apart. Defensive ends Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau have terrorized opposing quarterbacks, combining for 20.5 sacks this season. 

Against Notre Dame's Riley Leonard – a mobile quarterback adept at escaping pressure – the Buckeyes' relentless pass rush and contain will be an X-factor. Safety Caleb Downs is also a game-changer, and his interception sealed Ohio State's semifinal victory over Texas.

Ohio State's elite defense leads the nation in points allowed (12.0 per game) and excels in the red zone. Against a Notre Dame team that struggles to score in a hurry, particularly through the air, the Buckeyes should have the upper hand.

While Freeman and his secondary can keep Ohio State's offense well below a huge point total, Notre Dame will likely need a defensive or special teams TD to have a shot at victory. 

With a wealth of talent and key experience against the Fighting Irish, Ohio State could win the National Championship by 10, with a score in the ballpark of 23-13. So, back the Buckeyes on the spread.

Under 46.0 Total Points (-110)

This matchup features the top two defenses in the nation in terms of expected points added (EPA) per snap. 

Notre Dame ranks second nationally in scoring defense (14.3 points per game), while Ohio State is first. The Irish have proven their defensive strength against high-powered offenses, holding opponents like Louisville, USC and Penn State below their season averages in yardage and scoring.

Notre Dame's defense has thrived thanks to its secondary, which is arguably the best in the country. The Irish specialize in limiting explosive plays, particularly on the edges, and defensive coordinator Al Golden's aggressive blitz schemes often force mistakes.

Ohio State's top playmakers, including Smith and Egbuka, will face their toughest challenge yet against a Notre Dame secondary that allowed just 5.9 yards per pass attempt this season.

On the other side, Notre Dame's offense has been effective but not overwhelming. Quarterback Riley Leonard is a dual-threat weapon, tallying 19 passing touchdowns and 16 rushing scores this season. 

However, Leonard will face relentless pressure from Ohio State's pass rush, and the absence of top defensive lineman Rylie Mills weakens Notre Dame's ability to match Ohio State's physicality in the trenches.

Running back Jeremiyah Love will need to shoulder much of the offensive load for Notre Dame. Love, who averages 7.1 yards per carry, has been battling a knee injury but will benefit from the 11-day layoff between games.

Still, Notre Dame's offensive production could be hampered by Ohio State's elite red zone defense and the Buckeyes' ability to generate turnovers.

This game sets up as a low-scoring affair, with both defenses likely to shine on the national stage. Ohio State's ability to control the line of scrimmage and limit Notre Dame's big-play potential makes Under 46 total points (-110) a solid bet.

Read more betting picks and predictions for College Football on site.

Ohio State vs. Notre Dame odds

Ohio State

-360 ML

Notre Dame

+280 ML

Spread

Ohio State -8.0

Total Points

O/U 46.0

Read Ohio State vs. Notre Dame: How to watch, TV Channel, streaming start time, injury report and stats on site.

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.

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