As of January 16, 2025, the college football landscape is buzzing with anticipation surrounding the highly anticipated national championship game between Notre Dame and Ohio State. This matchup promises to deliver drama, skill, and history, as both teams have storied programs with rich traditions of success. Experts from across the football world are weighing in on what to expect in this monumental clash. In this article, we will dive deep into the opinions and predictions from these experts, exploring what makes this game so compelling, breaking down the key matchups, and speculating on what could unfold on the field.
Background on Notre Dame and Ohio State
Both teams have had stellar seasons to get to this point, but their paths to the national championship game were distinct. Notre Dame, known for its rich history and national brand, has undergone a resurgence under head coach Marcus Freeman. After a few years of near-misses, Notre Dame has found consistency and strength across all areas of the game. Meanwhile, Ohio State, under Ryan Day’s leadership, has continued to assert its dominance in the Big Ten, boasting elite talent and a relentless style of play that has made them perennial contenders.
Notre Dame’s Road to the Championship
Notre Dame’s journey to the national championship has been marked by resilience and teamwork. They started the season with high expectations and delivered on them, making critical stops on defense and producing explosive plays on offense. The Irish’s success can largely be attributed to their experienced quarterback play, solid offensive line, and a defense that can match up with any in the country.
Experts have consistently praised Notre Dame’s balanced attack, with the ability to control the clock on offense and get after opposing quarterbacks on defense. The team’s strength lies in its physicality, and that will play a major role in how they match up against Ohio State’s speed and skill.
Ohio State’s Road to the Championship
Ohio State, on the other hand, has been more of an offensive juggernaut this season. With star players like quarterback Kyle McCord and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., the Buckeyes have consistently demonstrated an ability to score at will. Their high-powered offense, coupled with a defense that can bend but rarely break, has allowed them to win in a variety of ways.
Experts have frequently highlighted Ohio State’s ability to dictate tempo and control the game’s pace, especially with McCord’s arm strength and Harrison’s playmaking ability. The Buckeyes’ ability to stretch the field and create mismatches is something that will keep Notre Dame’s defense on its toes.
Key Matchups and Expert Opinions
Several key matchups will decide the outcome of the national championship, and experts have weighed in on what these matchups will mean for both teams.
1. Quarterback Play: Kyle McCord vs. Sam Hartman
The battle between Kyle McCord of Ohio State and Sam Hartman of Notre Dame could be the most crucial element of the game. McCord has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, with his strong arm and ability to make deep throws. However, experts believe that his consistency and decision-making will be the deciding factors. McCord will be facing a tough Notre Dame defense that is capable of putting pressure on the quarterback, so his ability to read defenses and deliver on time will be key to Ohio State’s success.
Sam Hartman, on the other hand, has been one of the most experienced and steady quarterbacks in college football. Hartman’s ability to manage the game, coupled with his deep-ball accuracy, makes him a dangerous weapon. Experts believe that Hartman’s decision-making and ability to avoid turnovers will be crucial, especially if Notre Dame is looking to control the clock and keep Ohio State’s explosive offense off the field.
2. Offensive Line Play: Notre Dame’s Strength vs. Ohio State’s Speed
When it comes to offensive line play, Notre Dame may have the edge in terms of physicality. The Irish’s offensive line is one of the best in the nation, capable of opening up running lanes for their backs and providing Hartman with a clean pocket. The question, however, is whether they can handle Ohio State’s defensive line, which is known for its speed and ability to get to the quarterback.
Experts suggest that Notre Dame will need to play a balanced game, mixing up the run and pass to keep Ohio State’s defensive front guessing. If Notre Dame can control the line of scrimmage, it will go a long way toward keeping Ohio State’s explosive offense off the field.
On the flip side, Ohio State’s defensive line is one of the fastest in the country, and they have the ability to disrupt the pocket quickly. Experts have emphasized the importance of Ohio State’s ability to generate pressure without committing extra defenders to the pass rush, allowing them to keep coverage tight and limit Hartman’s options.
3. Wide Receivers and Playmaking: Marvin Harrison Jr. vs. Notre Dame’s Secondary
The battle between Ohio State’s star receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and Notre Dame’s secondary is another focal point of this matchup. Harrison is one of the best receivers in college football, and his ability to make plays in the air will put a lot of pressure on Notre Dame’s defense. Experts have noted that Notre Dame’s secondary is solid, but Harrison’s unique skill set presents a significant challenge. How the Irish’s defensive backs cover him—and how they respond to Ohio State’s other weapons—will be critical in limiting the big plays that Harrison is known for.
Notre Dame’s defensive backs have been effective in limiting big plays this season, but they will be tested like never before in this game. Experts believe that Notre Dame will likely double-team Harrison at times, but that may leave other Buckeye playmakers like Emeka Egbuka and Julian Fleming in single coverage, potentially giving Ohio State other opportunities.
4. Running Game: Notre Dame’s Ground Attack vs. Ohio State’s Front Seven
Notre Dame’s ability to run the ball has been one of its signature strengths this season. With running back Audric Estime leading the charge, the Irish have been able to grind out long drives and control the tempo of games. Experts believe that Notre Dame’s offensive line and Estime’s physical running style could pose a challenge to Ohio State’s defense. However, the Buckeyes’ front seven has been solid all season, and they will be determined to stop the run early and force Notre Dame to be one-dimensional.
If Notre Dame can establish the run, it could control the game’s pace and keep Ohio State’s offense off the field. However, if Ohio State can limit the run and make Hartman throw on obvious passing downs, it will put more pressure on the Irish to keep up with the Buckeyes’ explosive offense.
Intangibles and Expert Predictions
Beyond the key matchups on the field, experts have pointed out several intangible factors that could influence the game’s outcome. One of the biggest is the experience factor. Ohio State has been here before, making multiple appearances in the College Football Playoff and national championship games. The Buckeyes’ players and coaching staff are battle-tested, and that experience could give them an edge in high-pressure situations.
Notre Dame, while not lacking in big-game experience, will be playing in its first national championship game in several years. Experts believe that the Irish’s mental toughness and leadership—especially from Hartman and head coach Freeman—will play a significant role in keeping them focused and composed throughout the game.
Additionally, the atmosphere of the game cannot be understated. The national championship will be played in front of a massive, high-energy crowd, and the noise and excitement could impact both teams. Experts predict that whichever team can handle the moment and maintain focus will have the upper hand.