Jesse Temple: Ohio State has been a juggernaut during a three-game winning streak in the Playoff, embarrassing Tennessee and Oregon. Notre Dame has won 13 straight games and put together a fantastic season. But Ohio State’s balance and overall talent should emerge. … Ohio State 24, Notre Dame 14.

Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2) is tackled by Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., bottom left, and defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau during the first half of the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. AP Photo/Gareth Patterson

Ohio State and Notre Dame each have a top-two scoring defense and both narrowly pulled away in their respective semifinals thanks to their defense forcing a pivotal turnover. However, the Buckeyes hold the clear offensive edge over the Irish with weapons like Will Howard, Jeremiah Smith and TreVeyon Henderson. Ohio State 35, Notre Dame 17