Free Play Prediction 1/20/2025
The stage is set for the National Championship, with the top two defenses in the country squaring off. While both teams boast incredible defensive resumes, Ohio State’s unit has been nothing short of dominant in the playoffs, suffocating some of the nation’s best offenses in Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas. Their ability to hold these explosive teams to season-low yardage totals and minimal scoring makes it hard to envision Notre Dame finding consistent success tonight.
Notre Dame’s offense, led by Riley Leonard, will face its toughest test of the year against the Buckeyes’ elite defense. Ohio State ranks 1st in pass defense and 3rd in run defense, making it difficult for Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love and the Irish ground game to get rolling. If Notre Dame is forced into a pass-heavy approach, Leonard will need a career-best performance, as the Buckeyes’ pass rush and secondary are relentless.
On the other side, Ohio State’s offense doesn’t need to put up gaudy numbers—they just need to avoid mistakes and capitalize on their opportunities. Notre Dame’s defense, led by Xavier Watts, has been solid all season and may frustrate Ohio State at times, but containing the Buckeyes’ big-play potential for an entire game seems like a tall order. Whether it’s TreVeyon Henderson breaking free on a screen or Jeremiah Smith making a contested catch downfield, the Buckeyes always seem to find a way to deliver a momentum-shifting play.
The key for Notre Dame will be keeping the game within reach. They’ll need to dominate time of possession, convert on third downs, and turn red-zone opportunities into touchdowns—not field goals. Unfortunately, Ohio State’s ability to force quick stops and generate explosive plays on offense likely puts this game out of reach for the Irish.
In the end, Ohio State’s defensive dominance and timely offensive execution should propel them to their first National Championship since 2014. Notre Dame will fight hard but won’t have the firepower to keep pace. Prediction: Ohio State 28, Notre Dame 10.