Notre Dame faces Ohio State for national championship INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Ohio State Buckeyes will meet Monday night in Atlanta, Georgia, for the national championship game. ISC Sports Network’s Greg Rakestraw stopped by Daybreak on Monday to preview the matchup and explain why he’s picking Notre Dame to win it all. Notre Dame’s keys to victory The Irish “absolutely” have a change to bring the national title back to South Bend — they just can’t let Ohio State get the upper hand early on, according to Rake. “I think this is a one-score game, and part of it is because of how Notre Dame plays. Again, they are so good at running the football. They are so good defensively. What they have to avoid doing is let Ohio State get off to a good start. If they have to play catch-up, if they’re down by a couple of scores early, I think that does not bode well for Marcus Freeman’s team.” Roommate vs. roommate Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard and OSU quarterback Will Howard were roommates at the Manning Passing Academy, but that doesn’t mean they have the same style of play. “Will Howard is going to be more of the aerial attack and part of it is his wide receiver core is absolutely phenomenal for this Ohio State team. Riley Leonard makes big plays more often with his legs than he does his feet. Now, when the offense had to pick it up against Penn State late, frankly, both teams did that in the semifinals. So when the chips are down, I think Riley can make a play with his arm.” Rakestraw says Notre Dame’s best defense Monday night might be their offense. “Ground and pound. That’s going to be the theory for Notre Dame offensively this evening.” The final score Rake thinks the Irish will finish the night with their first national championship since 1988. And the final score? “Let’s go 31-27…Irish!” Stay with News 8 Can’t get enough Notre Dame? News 8 Sports Director News 8 Sports Director Anthony Calhoun and anchor Andrew Chernoff are on the road in Atlanta, covering this huge game for the Irish. Get geared up for the big game with “ALL ACCess Indy – The Championship Game” starting at 6:30 p.m. Monday on WISH-TV. It’s time for a pep rally! pic.twitter.com/kQnrkYqjV6— Andrew Chernoff – WISH-TV (@ADChernoff) January 19, 2025 Related Coverage At Notre Dame, the first ‘America’s Team,’ they wake the echoes on a run to another national title Ohio State and Notre Dame will meet for the national championship Notre Dame’s Charles Jagusah has chance for 1st start of season after comeback from injury Despite rematch, Notre Dame needs no extra motivation for national championship