Rece Davis Predicts Winner of Ohio State-Notre Dame National Championship Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Jan 14, 2025 6:01 PM ET

ESPN analyst Rece Davis reviewed the national championship matchup between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish on the latest "College GameDay Podcast."

Davis was joined by ESPN insider Pete Thamel, where the two discussed their predictions for the final game.

Ohio State enters the game as an 8-point favorite, per ESPN BET.

While Davis mentioned that he has much admiration for the Fighting Irish and what they have been able to accomplish in head coach Marcus Freeman's third year with the program, riding a 13-game win streak, he's siding with the Buckeyes.

Davis believes Ohio State will win the 2024 national championship, given their proven star power.

"I think it's going to be Ohio State," Davis said. "As much respect and admiration I have for what Notre Dame has done and what they are as a team, there are just so many weapons on the other side."

The Buckeyes are heading into the game with a 13-2 record, having dominated the early rounds of the College Football Playoff

Ohio State started the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff with a 42-17 victory over Tennessee. They followed that with a 41-21 win over Oregon and a 28-14 win over Texas.

They're led by quarterback Will Howard, who's posted 33 touchdowns and 3,779 yards with a 72.6 completion percentage.

Ohio State also has arguably the best wide receiver duo in the nation with Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka.

So far this season, Smith has recorded 14 touchdowns and 1,227 yards on 71 receptions, while Egbuka has produced 10 touchdowns and 947 yards on 75 receptions.

The explosive Ohio State offense will look to help the Buckeyes earn the national championship trophy on Jan. 20 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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