The college football season is rapidly drawing to a close, with just one final game left to determine the national champion. The highly anticipated national championship game will take place on January 20 at 7:30 p.m. ET, where the Ohio State Buckeyes will face off against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
As the game approaches, Ohio State enters the contest as the 8-point favorite, according to ESPN BET, signaling their dominance heading into the final showdown.
SEC college football analyst Paul Finebaum recently weighed in on the upcoming championship game during a segment of “The Matt Barrie Show.” Finebaum, who is well-known for his insightful analysis of college football, shared his thoughts on the matchup. While he acknowledged Notre Dame’s impressive achievements, including their 13-game win streak heading into the national title game, Finebaum didn’t hold back on his belief that Ohio State may have the upper hand.
Finebaum expressed his respect for Notre Dame, noting that the Fighting Irish have been a solid team all season, particularly highlighting their outstanding special teams unit. However, he also conveyed his skepticism about Notre Dame’s ability to pull off an upset against Ohio State. He emphasized that he “cannot imagine” Notre Dame emerging victorious in the national championship game.
“I cannot imagine Notre Dame winning the game,” Finebaum said. “I just can’t. I don’t see it… I think Notre Dame is solid. Their special teams are fantastic, but Ohio State is fantastic across the board. If they play to a high level, this game is not close.”
This assessment is rooted in the undeniable talent and depth that Ohio State brings to the table. Although the Buckeyes did endure a difficult regular season, suffering tough losses to Michigan and Oregon, those setbacks have done little to diminish their status as a powerhouse. Despite the early-season struggles, Ohio State has been a dominant force in the College Football Playoff, consistently outplaying their opponents with impressive performances.
Ohio State’s journey through the playoff began with a decisive 42-17 victory over Tennessee. They followed up with a commanding 41-21 win over Oregon in the quarterfinals, and their semifinal performance was equally dominant, as they defeated Texas 28-14 to secure a spot in the national championship. These victories have demonstrated Ohio State’s ability to rise to the occasion and outclass some of the top teams in college football.
One of the key factors behind Ohio State’s success is their depth of talent, with star players on both sides of the ball. Offensively, players like quarterback Will Howard and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith have been pivotal, while the defense has been anchored by standout players such as Jack Sawyer and Denzel Burke. This combination of elite talent on both ends of the field has made Ohio State one of the most formidable teams in the nation.
On the other hand, while Notre Dame has enjoyed a strong postseason run, including wins over teams like Penn State, Georgia, and Indiana, they are stepping onto the field against a team in Ohio State that seems to have an edge in nearly every area. Despite their own successful campaign, the Fighting Irish may find themselves facing an uphill battle against the depth and consistency that Ohio State has shown.
As the national championship game draws closer, it’s clear that both teams have earned their place in the final, but Ohio State enters the contest as the heavy favorite. With such a well-rounded team and a history of dominant playoff performances, the Buckeyes are poised to add another championship to their storied program. As for Notre Dame, while they have proven themselves to be a strong and resilient team, the task at hand may prove to be too much against the powerhouse that is Ohio State.
