ATLANTA — And then there were two.

Nearly five months since the 2024 college football season began in Dublin, Ireland, the campaign is wrapping up with Notre Dame taking on Ohio State in Atlanta for the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

Both teams have traveled an adventurous road, playing 15 games on their respective path to the title matchup. Each one endured a nauseating loss in 2024, but it's otherwise no surprise that the talented ND and OSU rosters are on the doorstep of glory.

One more victory stands between the blueblood programs and a new notch in their all-time championship tally.

Let's preview the game, including everything from viewing and team information to NFL prospects and a prediction.

Game Information

When: Monday, Jan. 20

Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

TV: ESPN

Live stream: WatchESPN

Spread: (via DraftKings): Ohio State -8.5

Over/Under: 46.5

How Notre Dame Got Here

In the season opener, Notre Dame pulled out a hard-fought Top 25 victory at Texas A&M. That win reinforced the hype around the Fighting Irish, who entered the season as a solid candidate to reach the CFP.

Those expectations quickly went on hold after that. Notre Dame returned to South Bend, where it promptly lost to MAC opponent Northern Illinois.

That shocking result removed the Fighting Irish's margin for error. However, they never flirted with disaster from there.

After closing September with victories over Purdue, Miami (Ohio) and Louisville, Notre Dame became truly dominant. During the next two months, the Irish went 7-0 and won every game by at least 14 points.

Led by a feisty defense, ND has defeated Indiana, Georgia and Penn State during this Playoff run. The most recent game featured the most dramatic finish; Christian Gray intercepted Penn State's Drew Allar to set up Mitch Jeter's winning 41-yard field goal in the final seconds.

Notre Dame is aiming to snap a 36-year championship drought.

How Ohio State Got Here

Ohio State has navigated a fascinating year.

Early on, the Buckeyes built a 5-0 record while cruising past overmatched teams. Oregon provided the first blemish in the October clash when OSU quarterback Will Howard slid as time expired.

The second half of the regular season was interesting. Ohio State trudged to an ugly win over Nebraska, yet it clipped Penn State and hammered Indiana in key Big Ten matchups. However, OSU suffered a horrendous loss to rival Michigan as an enormous favorite at home to close out the regular season.

In the wake of that setback, the conversation turned to whether head coach Ryan Day would keep his job in 2025. If the Buckeyes lost at home to Tennessee in the CFP's first round, perhaps a coaching change would follow.

It's safe to say Day is no longer on the hot seat. Ohio State steamrolled Tennessee, put a beatdown on Oregon and toppled Texas to secure an opportunity at winning the program's first national title since 2014.

Top 2025 NFL Draft Prospects

Notre Dame

According to B/R's NFL Scouting Department, the Fighting Irish have a few potential first-round picks. Star safety Xavier Watts is ranked 22nd overall in the class, one spot ahead of cornerback Benjamin Morrison, who's unfortunately out for the year due to a hip injury.

ND quarterback Riley Leonard is considered a Day 2 talent, per B/R's crew, checking in 66th overall.

Also, three veteran defenders—linebacker Jack Kiser and defensive tackles Howard Cross III and Rylie Mills—are graded as Day 3 prospects.

Ohio State

Meanwhile, the Buckeyes are loaded with expected draft picks.

The offensive side includes wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (12th), injured left tackle Josh Simmons (27th), running backs TreVeyon Henderson (68th) and Quinshon Judkins (70th), injured center Seth McLaughlin (74th) and left tackle/guard Donovan Jackson (86th).

On defense, Ohio State boasts edge-rushers JT Tuimoloau (39th) and Jack Sawyer (77th), defensive tackle Tyleik Williams (43rd), cornerback Denzel Burke (71st) and safety Lathan Ransom (91st).

Senior quarterback Will Howard is viewed as a Day 3 option as well.

Injury Report

Notre Dame

In addition to the injuries sidelining Mills and Morrison, the Irish will be without left tackle Anthonie Knapp. He exited the victory over Penn State with a high ankle sprain and won't be available. In his place, either Tosh Baker or Charles Jagusah will protect Leonard's blind side.

Notre Dame expects right guard Rocco Spindler to start because his ankle sprain is not as severe. Running back Jeremiyah Love (knee) and wideout Beaux Collins (calf) are also on track to play.

Ohio State

Injuries have played a major role on Ohio State's offensive line throughout the season, knocking out Simmons and McLaughlin. However, the unit's outlook is steady at this point.

The main question was if cornerback Denzel Burke (upper extremity) would be available after leaving OSU's win against Texas. Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day confirmed Burke will play.

Keys to the Game

Establish the... Pass

Both offenses—especially Notre Dame—want to lean on their rushing attacks. Leading up to this showdown, you'll hear coaches and players talk about needing to establish the run in Atlanta.

However, these defenses are outstanding up front. If they can reliably contain the backfield with the front six/seven, finding space in the secondary will be difficult.

Leonard and Howard would greatly benefit from hitting a downfield shot. The threat of an explosive passing game is far more effective in setting up the run than the other way around.

Red-Zone Efficiency and Turnovers

Look, those are typical keys. But they're not wrong!

In a low-scoring game, the value of a touchdown is magnified, and a takeaway is often a catalyst.

During the quarterfinals at the Sugar Bowl, a fumble recovery that led to an immediate score in the final minute of the first half helped launch ND past Georgia. Gray's interception put the Irish in position to edge Penn State in the Orange Bowl, too. The defense has given up only four touchdowns in nine red-zone possessions during the CFP.

Ohio State sealed its Cotton Bowl triumph over Texas when the defense stopped the Horns in a goal-to-go situation. Late in the fourth quarter, Jack Sawyer forced, recovered and returned a fumble for a touchdown.

Prediction

The basic qualifier is that turnovers can alter the course of a game in a hurry. Notre Dame is the underdog, but no defense has created more takeaways than the Fighting Irish this season. That matters.

However, it also means ND's offense must protect the ball.

Unfortunately for the Fighting Irish, avoiding that crushing giveaway may be complicated against an OSU defensive line built to create havoc. Leonard has struggled immensely in those situations. According to PFF data, he averages 3.8 yards per attempt when pressured—one of the worst marks in the country.

Adding to that complication: Ohio State has yielded only 2.7 yards per carry. If the Irish struggle to run effectively, Leonard will be forced to throw more, which is not ideal for a receiving corps that lacks a legitimate go-to target. Nobody has more than 500 receiving yards this season.

Notre Dame's defense bailed out Leonard's two interceptions against Penn State and should be a thorn for Howard and the Buckeyes. I'm certainly not anticipating a lopsided game.

Unless the Irish can swing the game with a takeaway, though, Ohio State should soon be celebrating a national title.

Prediction: Ohio State 24, Notre Dame 17