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ESPN’s SP+ predicts outcome, score of Ohio State-Notre Dame title bout
By Paul Harvey
Published:
ESPN’s SP+ has been predicting the outcome and final score of games all season long. Now, it’s time for one final prediction in the 2024 season with Monday’s title game between Ohio State and Notre Dame.
Along with the game prediction, Bill Connelly — creator of the SP+ — put together a full deep dive on Monday’s matchup (ESPN+ subscription required). And when it comes to the Buckeyes vs. Fighting Irish, ESPN’s SP+ squarely sees Ohio State as a favorite in Atlanta with a predicted final score of Ohio State 27.6, Notre Dame 21.7.
It’s worth pointing out, if that projection holds, that it would mean Notre Dame covers the 8.5-point spread put out by DraftKings. And be sure to use our best sports betting app to take advantage of the action.
Here are Connelly’s closing thoughts on the matchup after admitting Notre Dame’s path to a win likely involves an odd, low-scoring final outcome, though one he doesn’t view as likely:
It’s more likely, however, that Ohio State’s superiority shows itself over 60 minutes. The Buckeyes have been 2024’s best overall team, they have the best defense, and they have an offense that appears built to defeat what Notre Dame does best. The 2024 season has been an absolute delight, and here’s to hoping that it ends with one more great game, but it seems most likely to end with Ryan Day and the scarlet and gray lifting the national title trophy.
Ohio State and Notre Dame have faced off just 8 times in their illustrious histories with the Buckeyes winning 6 straight in the series. Notre Dame hasn’t registered a win since the 1930s, though the past 2 games have been especially close.
In 2022, the Buckeyes registered a season-opening 21-10 win but in a hard-fought game at home. Last year, Ohio State registered a 17-14 win in South Bend but needed a last-second touchdown to pull out a win.
Will Ohio State register another win in the series, or does Notre Dame finally get the monkey of its back in the biggest game of the season?
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.