Normally, Locks of the Week eases into the slate of games. Not this week.

After going unbeaten with our CFB picks against the spread in the quarterfinals and 1-1 in the semis, we enter the national championship having covered five of the last six. Now, we're focused on one game—and only one game.

The natty.

We have picks for the game and total, with plenty of analysis to get to first. Here's a look at the final college football game of this season. Thanks to everyone who followed Locks of the Week all year; we'll have a look at next year's early thoughts next week.

Locks never sleep.

First, however, we have business to tend to. That business is one of the most anticipated national championship games in recent memory.

One thing is clear. The ratings attached will be extraordinary, regardless of how the thoughts below play out on the actual field.

In terms of sheer "brand" power, it doesn't get much better than this.

The same can be said about the storylines attached to both teams. Ohio State, left for dead after its loss to rival Michigan, has ripped off three consecutive wins—all by double digits.

Notre Dame, left for dead after its shocking loss to Northern Illinois earlier in the year, hasn't lost since.

Indeed, there is a lot to unpack, although this point spread says plenty. As does the movement since the line debuted.

Since opening around a 9.5-point favorite, Notre Dame has garnered enough support to move the line. On Monday, the line even dipped below eight points before shooting back up a few hours later.

Notre Dame has plenty of support. Given how the Irish have played, it's understandable.

Even still, this is a big number for a title game. In fact, since 2004, only two games have been higher than the current spread. Alabama was a 10-point favorite over Notre Dame in 2013; Georgia was a 14-point favorite over TCU in 2023.

Both favorites covered those games easily, winning by a combined score of 107-21. That is not to say that this game will follow a similar format. Past performances don't impact future results.

Say it with me...past performances do not impact future results.

It does, however, tell us that large favorites have largely performed well. Lately, favorites have done extraordinarily well. The chalk has covered the spread in the last five title games.

And we haven't seen a one-score game since 2018.

Again, please don't take this as anything more than information. Notre Dame isn't TCU. Ohio State isn't Georgia.

Although if there is anything to be deduced from that data, perhaps it's this. The truly elite college football programs have thrived in these moments.

Is Ohio State one of those programs? It might be.

The Buckeyes didn't exactly dominate Texas in the semifinal. In fact, the Longhorns were close to tying that game. A Jack Sawyer defensive touchdown changed the fortunes of that game, although Texas was up to the challenge.

Before that, the Buckeyes were in cruise control. Dominant wins over Tennessee and Oregon altered the perception of a team coming off one of its worst losses in recent memory. Although now, three playoff wins later, the pain of Michigan feels largely forgotten.

Unlike the previous two games, wideout Jeremiah Smith didn't run wild against Texas. In fact, the Longhorns limited him to just three yards. Of Will Howard's 289 yards passing, 97 yards were to running backs. And 75 of those yards came on a screen pass to TreVeyon Henderson on a single play.

In short, kudos to Texas. It delivered a blueprint to Notre Dame on how to handle Ohio State, although it still wasn't enough.

For the Irish, a close win against Penn State featured more of the same. The defense was excellent, the special teams were sound, and the offense was good enough.

Riley Leonard wasn't dazzling, although he was once again effective despite limited numbers. He has found a way each step of the way, even if it hasn't always been easy on the eyes.

Notre Dame, however, suddenly has a patchwork offensive line. We now know that tackle Anthonie Knapp won't play in the title game. We also know that guard Rocco Spindler, who was also injured against Penn State, will try to play.

Regardless, all is not well up front. The Buckeyes defensive line has found a new gear in the postseason, and this is worth evaluating throughout the week and weekend. Notre Dame has found ways to creatively manufacture offense—sprinkling in big plays from (relatively) unknown skill-position players every now and then.

The Irish have gotten contributions from everywhere. In the past two games, we've seen the defense do its part, special teams generate points and the backup quarterback, Steve Angeli, engineered one of the most important drives of the season.

But the task is still daunting, and the talent advantage at many positions seems to be in Ohio State's favor. That's not to say Notre Dame can't and won't ugly up another football game. It's become so regular that the possibility cannot and shouldn't be denied. Bettors clearly feel this way, bringing the line down shortly after it was made.

Still, this seems, well, different.

Ohio State's defense is now the No. 1 scoring defense in America. The Ohio State offense, with future NFL players at every level, won't be denied for 60 minutes. Or at least it feels that way.

So, after all that, here's where we are.

This game won't unfold immediately. It might take a minute. Eventually, however, Ohio State will overtake Notre Dame, giving Ryan Day a moment that feels like a lifetime in the making.

The total is a bit tricky, especially when you consider that this game will feature the nation's top two scoring defenses.

We have a small lean to the under, although we're staying away from that. Instead, we will ride an Ohio State team we picked to win the national championship before the season began, finishing up where it all started.

Ohio State 27, Notre Dame 17.

The Pick: Ohio State (-8.5)