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Pat McAfee has thrown his behind the Ohio State Buckeyes as they gear up for the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. On Monday night, Ohio State will face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a highly anticipated showdown that has college football fans buzzing.
McAfee, along with former Alabama head coach Nick Saban, predicted a Buckeyes victory during ESPN's College GameDay. Their confidence reflects the widespread belief in Ohio State's dominance, as the team seeks its first national title since 2014.
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Analysts divided on championship predictions
While many analysts favor Ohio State, others are backing Notre Dame to pull off an upset. The Buckeyes are entering the game as 8.5-point favorites, showcasing their strong postseason performance and explosive offense.
However, former Michigan star Desmond Howard and GameDay legend Lee Corso have voiced their belief in the Fighting Irish.
"If I were the Irish coach, I'd remind them Michigan beat these guys when they were heavy favorites. We're only 8.5-point underdogs; we've got this," Corso stated confidently.
Howard echoed the sentiment, emphasizing Notre Dame's grit: "They're a blue-collar, hard-working bunch. They don't know how to quit. Marcus Freeman's team has what it takes to surprise everyone tonight."
Notre Dame's resilience has been on full display during their 13-game win streak, including victories against top-ranked teams like Georgia, Penn State, and Indiana. Their battle-tested journey through the playoffs gives the Fighting Irish an edge in close, high-stakes games.
Ohio State looks to end championship drought
Ohio State's path to the championship has been nothing short of dominant. The Buckeyes boast one of the most explosive offenses in college football, making them a favorite among analysts and fans alike. McAfee highlighted their balanced attack, stating, "This team has all the tools to take home the title."
Despite the divided opinions, the game promises to deliver an unforgettable clash between two powerhouse programs. Will Ohio State solidify their place as the best team in the nation, or can Notre Dame defy the odds and claim their 15th national championship?
The stage is set at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the outcome of what is sure to be a thrilling battle for college football supremacy.