CFP National Championship: Ohio State vs Notre Dame – Jan 20 at 4:30 PM on ESPN

Introduction

The CFP National Championship is one of the most anticipated college football games of the year, and this season, Ohio State and Notre Dame will face off on January 20, 2025, at 4:30 PM ET on ESPN. As two of college football’s most storied programs, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With both teams boasting elite talent, incredible defenses, and explosive offenses, this showdown promises to be a thrilling contest.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the matchup, breaking down the starting quarterbacks, team stats, key players to watch, and betting odds for this high-profile game. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know ahead of the big game.

Game Overview

On January 20, 2025, Ohio State will face off against Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff National Championship. The game will be broadcast on ESPN, allowing fans nationwide to tune in and witness this exciting showdown. Both teams come into this game with incredible resumes, having dominated their respective conferences and showcased high-octane offenses.

Matchup at a Glance

• Date & Time: January 20, 2025, 4:30 PM ET
• Broadcast: ESPN
• Venue: Neutral Site (To Be Announced)

Both Ohio State and Notre Dame come into this game as top-tier teams with the ultimate prize on the line. Ohio State’s high-powered offense, led by dynamic players like Will Howard, will be matched against Notre Dame’s balanced approach with Riley Leonard at the helm. It’s a battle of two different styles that promises to be an exciting watch.

Starting Quarterbacks: Will Howard vs Riley Leonard

The quarterbacks are always the focal point of big games, and in this national championship, both teams will lean heavily on their respective signal-callers. Let’s dive into the stats and analysis of Will Howard (Ohio State) and Riley Leonard (Notre Dame).

Will Howard (Ohio State)

• Passing Yards: 3,490
• Touchdowns: 32
• Interceptions: 9
• Completion Percentage: 58.6%
• Passer Rating: 154.5

Will Howard has had a standout season for Ohio State, establishing himself as one of the premier quarterbacks in college football. With a 3,490-yard, 32-touchdown campaign, Howard’s ability to stretch the field with his powerful arm makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. His 9 interceptions show some vulnerability, but his ability to make big plays downfield is a major asset.

Riley Leonard (Notre Dame)

• Passing Yards: 2,606
• Touchdowns: 19
• Interceptions: 8
• Completion Percentage: 61.4%
• Passer Rating: 148.7

While Riley Leonard doesn’t have the same flashy numbers as Howard, he is a highly efficient quarterback who keeps Notre Dame’s offense moving. His 2,606 passing yards and 19 touchdowns tell the story of a leader who doesn’t make many mistakes, evidenced by just 8 interceptions. Leonard’s ability to manage the game and make timely throws under pressure will be key to Notre Dame’s success.

Quarterback Comparison

In terms of raw statistics, Will Howard has the edge in passing yards and touchdowns, but Riley Leonard’s consistency and decision-making could make him just as dangerous, especially when paired with Notre Dame’s powerful rushing attack.

Team Performance: Ohio State vs Notre Dame

Both teams have strong performances across multiple areas of the game. Here’s a deeper dive into how Ohio State and Notre Dame stack up in key statistics.

Ohio State Team Stats

• Points Per Game: 36.4
• Passing Yards: 268.8
• Rushing Yards: 169.1
• Opponent Points Per Game: 12.1
• Opponent Passing Yards: 175.4
• Opponent Rushing Yards: 92.2

Ohio State has a balanced and explosive offense, averaging 36.4 points per game. Their 268.8 passing yards per game make them a top-tier air attack, but they also run the ball effectively with 169.1 rushing yards per game. On defense, they have been dominant, allowing just 12.1 points per game, with standout players like JT Tuimoloau (10 sacks) and Cody Simon (95 tackles) leading the charge.

Notre Dame Team Stats

• Points Per Game: 37.0
• Passing Yards: 202.4
• Rushing Yards: 210.7
• Opponent Points Per Game: 14.3
• Opponent Passing Yards: 184.1
• Opponent Rushing Yards: 133.0

Notre Dame’s offense is anchored by a powerful rushing attack, which averages 210.7 yards per game. The combination of Jeremiyah Love (1,121 yards) and Riley Leonard gives the Fighting Irish a dynamic ground game that wears down defenses. On defense, they are just as strong, allowing only 14.3 points per game and boasting key players like Jack Kiser (75 tackles) and Rylie Mills (8 sacks).

Key Players to Watch

In any big game, individual performances can make or break the outcome. Here are some of the standout players to keep an eye on during this national championship clash.

Ohio State’s Key Players

• Will Howard (QB) – The quarterback will be the focal point of Ohio State’s offense. His ability to connect with Jeremiah Smith (1,224 receiving yards) will be critical for moving the chains and scoring points.
• TreVeyon Henderson (RB) – Henderson’s 925 rushing yards this season make him a key component in Ohio State’s offensive game plan. He will need to establish the run to open up the passing attack.
• JT Tuimoloau (DE) – With 10 sacks, Tuimoloau is a force to be reckoned with on Ohio State’s defense. His ability to pressure Riley Leonard will be a crucial factor in the game.

Notre Dame’s Key Players

• Riley Leonard (QB) – Leonard’s poise and efficiency will be vital for Notre Dame’s chances. Look for him to make quick decisions and capitalize on Ohio State’s defensive mistakes.
• Jeremiyah Love (RB) – The dynamic running back is Notre Dame’s workhorse. His ability to control the tempo of the game with his 1,121 rushing yards will be critical for keeping Ohio State’s offense off the field.
• Jack Kiser (LB) – As one of Notre Dame’s top tacklers, Kiser will need to help shut down Ohio State’s rushing attack and be a key player in pass coverage.

Betting Odds and Predictions

As the championship approaches, betting markets have set the following odds:

Point Spread

• Ohio State -9.5: Ohio State is favored by 9.5 points, meaning they need to win by at least 10 points to cover the spread.
• Notre Dame +9.5: Notre Dame is the underdog, with the spread set at +9.5, meaning they can lose by up to 9 points and still cover the spread.

Moneyline Odds

• Ohio State: -415
• Notre Dame: +320

If Ohio State wins, a $415 bet would pay out $515. On the other hand, a $100 bet on Notre Dame could yield a return of $420 if they win.

Over/Under Total Points

• Total Points: 46.5
  • Over 46.5: -105
  • Under 46.5: -115

The over/under total points is set at 46.5, reflecting a relatively high-scoring game given both teams’ potent offenses.

Game Prediction: Ohio State vs Notre Dame

This national championship is poised to be a close and exciting game, but Ohio State’s offensive firepower and defensive dominance give them the edge. Will Howard, TreVeyon Henderson, and JT Tuimoloau are all key players who will likely lead Ohio State to victory. However, Notre Dame’s ability to control the clock with Jeremiyah Love and Riley Leonard’s efficiency could make things interesting.

Ohio State is the favorite, but don’t count Notre Dame out—they have the talent and leadership to make this a memorable championship game.