Ohio State vs. Notre Dame: 2025 CFP National Championship Odds, Predictions and More

The Ohio State Buckeyes have gained the respect of the college football-viewing public with their dominant march to the College Football Playoff National Championship.

But the biggest sign of respect for Ryan Day's team going into Monday's game is on the point spread.

Ohio State is currently an 8.5-point favorite against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish for their clash in Atlanta.

Notre Dame's had an equally as impressive run to the title game, but it is undervalued in comparison to OSU on the spread.

The hope among most college football fans is that the spread is not indicative of the final result.

The National Championship in the CFB Playoff era has been prone to blowouts. The last single-digit margin of victory was in 2018.

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.

Spread: Ohio State (-8.5)

Over/Under: 46.5

Money Line: Ohio State (-360; bet $360 to win $100); Notre Dame (+285; bet $100 to win $285)

Ohio State has two important keys to follow.

The first is to open up the passing game through Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka, like it has in its three playoff games.

The second is to have its defense take over for long stretches so that a large advantage can be built up.

The Buckeyes defense, led by defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau and linebacker Jack Sawyer, held three playoff opponents to 21 points or less.

The 21-point concession to Oregon is a bit misleading because the Ducks only scored eight points in the first half.

Ohio State has found a way to shut down the strengths of each opposing offense in the playoff so far, and if it takes away Riley Leonard and Jeremiyah Love in the ND rushing attack, it could he smooth sailing for the Buckeyes.

As for the offense, it just has to keep doing what it's been doing.

The Buckeyes scored 42, 41 and 28 points in their three playoff wins and Will Howard's thrown for over 280 yards in each contest.

Smith wasn't much of a factor against Texas, but even in that matchup, Howard found a way to exploit the Longhorns secondary through Egbuka, Carnell Tate and others.

OSU's rushing attack with Treveyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins is superb as well, but if it wins big, it will be because of Howard's aerial prowess.

Notre Dame's offense thrives on the ground.

Riley Leonard's legs have been a massive asset to an offense that has run through running back Jeremiyah Love at most points of the season.

Leonard can be a difference-maker with his arm too, though, as he showed off in the Orange Bowl win over Penn State.

The Duke transfer totaled 223 passing yards. He had more than 220 passing yards once in the regular season.

Notre Dame's pass-catchers are not as elite as Smith and Egbuka, but Leonard's found a way to make the passing game efficient thanks to big games from Jaden Greathouse and Jordan Faison.

Tight end Mitchell Evans could be a key factor as well on offense. He had five catches for 58 yards against Penn State.

Defensively, Notre Dame must figure out which part of OSU's offense it wants to take away. Texas eliminated Smith from the Cotton Bowl and still got burned by the Buckeyes' other stars.

The Irish could take a similar approach, or focus on slowing down other aspects of the offense to try and make Howard look ineffective.

Ohio State 31, Notre Dame 24

Ohio State's collection of talent has been too much to handle for any of its playoff opponents.

If Smith is more involved on Monday, the Buckeyes have the potential to roll the Irish in Atlanta.

However, Notre Dame has a clear offensive identity, and if it sticks to the plan, it can at least remain within one possession of the Buckeyes.

Notre Dame might not have enough firepower to win, especially if Ohio State finds success through the air early, but it can be a close game if Leonard is efficient and leads ND on scoring drives before the third quarter.

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