January 10, 2025

Coming off a dramatic semifinal victory, Notre Dame is now just one game away from its first national championship since 1988, a feat that would solidify their place in college football history. The Fighting Irish have had a remarkable run through the playoffs, and their thrilling 27-24 victory over Penn State in the Orange Bowl showed the team’s resilience and determination. With a game-winning interception by defensive back Christian Gray and a clutch 41-yard field goal from Mitch Jeter, Notre Dame secured a hard-fought win that has propelled them to the final stage.

The game against Penn State was a back-and-forth affair, featuring three ties and three lead changes, and a total of 31 points scored in the final quarter alone. It was a true test of grit, and the Fighting Irish passed with flying colors. With the win, they have earned a shot at the national title, with the only thing standing in their way being either Ohio State or Texas. Both teams are storied programs, with rich football histories and a pedigree of success, and they will face off in the Cotton Bowl on Friday night to determine who will meet Notre Dame in the national championship game on January 20.

A Look at the Betting Lines

As is often the case in high-stakes games like these, the betting world has already started to weigh in on the potential matchups. FanDuel Sportsbook, one of the most prominent names in sports betting, has released early betting lines for a hypothetical national championship game between Notre Dame and either Ohio State or Texas. These early odds provide an interesting preview of how the bookmakers view each team’s chances of winning the title.

For a potential matchup between Notre Dame and Ohio State, the Buckeyes would be the clear favorites. According to FanDuel’s opening lines, Ohio State is a 9.5-point favorite in this prospective game. The odds also list the total points for the game at 48.5, reflecting expectations for a relatively low-scoring affair between two strong defensive teams. Additionally, Ohio State is favored on the moneyline at -350, while Notre Dame sits at +275 to win outright.

These odds suggest that Ohio State is widely viewed as the stronger team in a potential matchup, having already defeated Notre Dame in two previous meetings under head coach Marcus Freeman. The Buckeyes won both of those games in 2022 and 2023, and many believe they would continue their dominance over the Fighting Irish in a third meeting. The 9.5-point spread indicates that many expect Ohio State to win by a relatively comfortable margin, with Notre Dame being positioned as the underdog despite their impressive playoff run.

The total points line set at 48.5 reflects the expectation of a defensive battle. Both teams have strong defensive units, and while they also boast potent offenses, it seems likely that they will both focus on controlling the game with defense and special teams. The even odds on the over/under further support this notion, with bookmakers predicting a game that will be competitive but not necessarily a high-scoring shootout.

Notre Dame vs. Texas: A New Challenge

While a potential matchup with Ohio State would represent a familiar challenge for Notre Dame, a showdown with Texas would offer a new dynamic. Texas, having fallen short to Georgia in their semifinal, would be a formidable opponent in the national championship, and many believe the Longhorns would present a different set of challenges for the Fighting Irish.

Unlike Ohio State, Texas is not a team that Notre Dame has faced frequently in recent years, which could give the Longhorns an advantage in terms of unpredictability. Texas is known for its explosive offense, led by a dynamic quarterback and a potent running game, and the Longhorns’ ability to score quickly could put pressure on Notre Dame’s defense. The Irish have shown they can handle high-pressure situations, but facing a team like Texas, which thrives in up-tempo offenses, would force them to adapt quickly.

At the same time, Texas has had its own share of struggles this season, particularly against top-tier defenses. While the Longhorns have impressive offensive statistics, they have not always been able to execute against the very best defenses in the country. This could play into Notre Dame’s favor, as their defense has been one of the most consistent and reliable units throughout the season. If the Fighting Irish can slow down Texas’ offensive attack, they will have a real chance to take control of the game.

Betting Lines for Notre Dame vs. Texas

For those looking to wager on a potential matchup between Notre Dame and Texas, the early betting lines also reflect a close contest. The odds are a bit tighter here compared to the Ohio State matchup, with the lines reflecting more balanced teams. Texas is favored by a smaller margin, with FanDuel listing the Longhorns as 4.5-point favorites. This suggests that while Texas is seen as the slightly stronger team overall, the game could be a nail-biter, with neither team expected to dominate the other.

The total points line for the game is set at 50.5, indicating expectations for a more high-scoring affair between two offenses that have shown the ability to move the ball quickly. Both teams have explosive playmakers on offense, and it seems likely that the game could involve a number of big plays and fast-paced action.

Texas’ moneyline is set at -180, meaning they are favored to win outright, while Notre Dame sits at +150 to pull off the upset. The odds reflect a slightly more optimistic view of Texas’ chances to win, but not by much. Notre Dame, despite being the underdog, has shown all season long that they are capable of taking down top-tier teams. Their defense, special teams, and ability to execute in high-pressure moments have made them a formidable opponent for anyone in the playoff field.

A Historic National Championship Awaits

Whether it’s Ohio State or Texas, Notre Dame is gearing up for a historic national championship game. The Fighting Irish have had a remarkable journey to this point, and the prospect of securing their first national title in over three decades is tantalizing. No matter who they face, Notre Dame will bring its strong defensive play, opportunistic special teams, and balanced offensive attack to the table.

The national championship game on January 20 is sure to be one for the ages, with both Ohio State and Texas having their own strengths and weaknesses that will factor into the outcome. For Notre Dame, it’s a chance to prove that they are once again one of the elite programs in college football, and that they can compete and win at the highest level. It’s been a long time since the Fighting Irish were able to claim a national championship, and now they are just one game away from achieving that dream.

No matter which team emerges from the Cotton Bowl, Notre Dame will be ready for the challenge, prepared to fight for the title they have long sought after. For the Fighting Irish, the 2025 national championship is within reach—and they will stop at nothing to claim it.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *