In the 2014-15 college football season, Ohio State made a splash by defeating Marcus Mariota’s Oregon Ducks to win the first-ever College Football Playoff National Championship. That victory marked the end of the BCS era and kicked off a new chapter for college football.

Now, a decade later, the Buckeyes are looking to make history once again. In the inaugural season of the 12-team College Football Playoff, Ohio State has breezed through the competition and is back in the National Championship Game for the first time since 2021. They’re set to face off against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

The Buckeyes have been dominant in the playoffs, crushing Tennessee 42-17 in the first round, then stomping No. 1-ranked Oregon 41-21 in the Rose Bowl, and finally beating Texas 28-14 in the Cotton Bowl Classic. Because of this, Ohio State is a solid 8.5-point favourite heading into the National Championship Game on January 20 in Atlanta.

However, despite the easy ride to the final, both the betting lines and recent trends suggest that the game will be closer than expected. Ohio State has been 13-2 this season but has a more modest 9-6 record against the spread (ATS). On the other hand, Notre Dame has been a reliable team against the spread, going 13-2 ATS with a 14-1 overall record.

If Ohio State wins on Monday, it will not only give the Buckeyes their second CFP title, but also represent a major comeback. After a tough loss to Michigan just six weeks ago, Ohio State has turned things around and found their stride heading into the final.

A win would give the Buckeyes their ninth National Championship — and plenty of college football history to write.

The National Championship Game takes place on Monday, January 20, in Atlanta.

Click here to view all college football betting odds at BET99.