2024 College Football Playoff picks, predictions: Back Buckeyes over Irish

Sometimes I struggle with how to wager on a game where I feel so confident in the outcome. 

Ohio State is just better than Notre Dame, and it’s hard to find any edge for the Irish in the matchups. But, here goes nothing.

No. 8 Ohio State vs. No. 7 Notre Dame (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)

The Irish are what everyone hopes their favorite college program can become. They are tough, gritty, resilient and play with passion. They are a sound team, making few mistakes while forcing turnovers and playing outstanding special teams. 

However, that doesn’t make this a competitive game against Ohio State — a better team at every position group with the ability to make explosive offensive plays and stop any opposing team’s scoring opportunities. 

Ohio State’s offense has bounced back from the inexcusable loss to Michigan to end the regular season. The Buckeyes have committed to the pass in their last three games, and while it wasn’t as pretty against Texas in the semifinal, they profile well against Notre Dame’s defense. 

Michigan and Texas were able to play a ton of two-high safety zone, which limited Ohio State’s ability to push the ball down the field with its elite receiving group. When you play two high safeties, that puts one less safety into the box. This means a defense must stop the run with the defensive line. 

Michigan and Texas had the defensive lines to make that happen against an Ohio State offensive line featuring injuries. However, OSU's offensive line has played well despite the injuries. It’s not an issue. 

Notre Dame’s defense does not play zone at the same rate as Michigan or Texas. The Irish play man coverage more than 50% of their defensive snaps, and that will not be effective against Ohio State’s offense. 

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