Ohio State Dominant Defense and Offensive Depth Face Notre Dame's Resilient Playmakers
Ohio State vs. Notre Dame National Championship Prediction: A Battle for College Football Supremacy
The stage is set for an epic showdown in the 2025 National Championship, as #8 Ohio State (13-2) takes on #7 Notre Dame (14-1) in a clash of titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Both teams have dominated their paths to this point, but only one will claim the ultimate prize. With Ohio State looking for its first National Championship since 2014, and Notre Dame aiming for its first title since 1988, this game promises to deliver high stakes and intense competition. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 EST on January 21, 2025.
Ohio State: Dominant Defense and Offensive Depth
The Ohio State Buckeyes have been nearly unstoppable in their College Football Playoff run, securing victories by at least 14 points in each of their games. Their most recent victory came in a tense 28-14 win over #5 Texas, where they broke a 14-14 tie in the fourth quarter with two unanswered touchdowns. With only two losses on the season—one to Oregon, and another to Michigan in the final week—the Buckeyes have bounced back with authority, making them one of the most formidable teams in the nation. Ohio State’s offense is built around quarterback Will Howard, a transfer from Kansas State who has impressed in his first season with the Buckeyes. Howard has thrown for 3,779 yards, completing 72.6% of his passes with 33 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions. His performance in the CFP has been stellar, with six touchdown passes and only two interceptions. While Howard isn’t a dual-threat quarterback, rushing only 169 yards this season, his precision in the passing game has been more than enough to lead the Buckeyes to victory.
In the backfield, Ohio State boasts two talented running backs in TreVeyon Henderson (967 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns) and Quinshon Judkins (960 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns). Their running game is complemented by a dynamic receiving corps, led by freshman sensation Jeremiah Smith, who has racked up 1,227 yards and 14 touchdowns this season. Senior Emeka Egbuka, with 947 yards and 10 touchdowns, also poses a major threat to opposing defenses.
Ohio State’s defense has been nothing short of exceptional, ranking #1 in the nation, allowing just 12.2 points per game. The Buckeyes are dominant in pass-rushing, with defensive ends J.T. Tuimoloau (11.5 sacks) and Jack Sawyer (9 sacks) leading the charge. With 51 total sacks this season, Ohio State is a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Linebacker Cody Simon is the team’s top tackler with 104 tackles, and the defense as a whole has recorded 10 interceptions, with Denzel Burke contributing two picks. This defense will be key to slowing down Notre Dame’s high-powered offense.
Notre Dame: Injury Concerns but Resilient Playmakers
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have had their share of struggles with injuries, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Quarterback Riley Leonard, who missed time with a head injury, is cleared and ready for the National Championship. Leonard has been a dual-threat quarterback for the Fighting Irish, passing for 2,606 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. However, his true impact has come on the ground, where he has rushed for 866 yards and 16 touchdowns. Despite his injuries, Leonard’s ability to both pass and run makes him a dangerous weapon for Ohio State to contend with.
Alongside Leonard, running back Jeremiyah Love has been a standout, rushing for 1,122 yards and 17 touchdowns. The Fighting Irish also boast a strong supporting cast in the backfield with Jadarain Price, who has rushed for 733 yards. At wide receiver, Jaden Greathouse leads the team with 464 receiving yards and two touchdowns, while Beaux Collins adds another dimension with 458 yards and three touchdowns. Notre Dame’s defense is one of the best in the nation, ranking second overall with just 14.3 points allowed per game. Defensive tackle Rylie Mills leads the team in sacks with 7.5, while linebacker Jack Kiser leads in tackles with 85. The Fighting Irish defense has been stellar in the secondary, recording 19 interceptions on the season, with safety Xavier Watts leading the way with six picks. This defensive prowess will be crucial in trying to contain Ohio State’s high-octane offense.
Conclusion
While Notre Dame has been resilient all season, Ohio State’s combination of an elite defense and explosive offense should prove too much for the Fighting Irish. The Buckeyes’ ability to pressure Leonard and limit his rushing yards will be pivotal, and they have the offensive firepower to keep Notre Dame’s defense on its heels. Expect Ohio State to capture their first National Championship since 2014 in what should be an exciting and hard-fought game.
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