John Supowitz

Notre Dame vs. Ohio State Predictions & Best Bets – NCAAF Picks Week 1

Jan 1, 2022; Pasadena, California, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) throws the ball in the first quarter against the Utah Utes during the 2022 Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl. Ohio State defeated Utah 48-45.
Image Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

It’s finally here, Week 1 of the College Football season and we will offer our Notre Dame vs. Ohio State predictions in what is the weekend’s marquee game.

As both of these teams sit in the top five, a win tonight would be great on the resume for the CFB Playoff berth, as they both missed it last year.

We also see Marcus Freeman in his first real test as the head coach of the Fighting Irish.

Notre Dame vs. Ohio State Predictions

For my Notre Dame vs. Ohio State predictions, I’ll place these wagers at DraftKings Sportsbook.

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Notre Dame vs. Ohio State Odds

TeamSpreadMoneylineTotal
Cincinnati +6.5+200O 52 (-110)
@ Arkansas-6.5-240U 52 (-110)

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook as of 4:00 p.m. ET on Sept. 1.

Game Info

  • Date: Saturday, Sept. 3
  • Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
  • Location: Ohio  Stadium
  • TV: ABC

Notre Dame vs. Ohio State Trends

Let’s take a look at some relevant betting trends for Notre Dame vs. Ohio State:

  • The over is 11-8-1 in Ohio State’s last 20 games as a favorite.
  • Notre Dame is 8-7-1 ATSas an underdog in their last 16 games
  • Ohio State is 10-6 ATS in the last 16 games at home
  • According to DraftKings (as of Wed. afternoon), 52% of betting tickets and 66% of money is on Notre Dame ATS.
  • 84% of tickets and money are on the Over.’

Can Ohio State Repeat As The Top Offense?

You have to feel like there’s a lot of pressure on the Buckeyes going into this season than in 2021. Last year’s top offense was just a Michigan defeat away from the CFB playoffs, and it also could have changed the Heisman voting.

The offense took a hit with receivers Chris Olave and Garett Wilson leaving for the NFL, but this offense should still have plenty of firepower. Both Marvin Harrison Jr. and Julian Flemming are poised to have a great season.

Current Heisman favorite CJ Stroud still has his 2021 leading receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and one of the nation’s top running backs TreVeyon Henderson who was heavily involved in the passing game with 32 catches and 332 receiving yards last year.

Don’t expect any regression from this offense.

How Can Freeman and ND Shock The World?

A big test for Marcus Freeman as he begins his first full season as the head coach for Notre Dame. There are a few positions he has to replace, including starters QB Jack Coan, RB Kyren Williams, and leading receiver Kevin Austin Jr.

Last year’s backup, Tyler Buchner will get the starting job. He saw only limited time throughout the season, mostly in relief. Running back Chris Tyree will be the lead runner along with Logan Diggs and Lorenzo Styles as leading receivers.

The most valuable weapon Buchner will have is tight end Michael Mayer. He is also coming into the season as the favorite to take home the John Mackey Award and potentially be the top tight end taken in the 2023 draft.

Notre Dame vs. Ohio State Predictions

The matchup everyone is looking forward to is Freeman’s top 15 scoring defense, and whether they can stop this high-powered Buckeye offense with some of the best talent in the country.

In the trenches is where the Fighting Irish need to excel. Keeping Henderson contained and making Buckeyes one-dimensional could keep this game close. They’re going to have to force Stroud to play small ball if they want to pull out a win.

Ohio State’s weak point was exploited against Michigan when the Wolverines moved the ball on the ground. Diggs, Tyree, and the backfield need to get chunk yardage and not force Buchner to win this game with his arm.

Realistically, Notre Dame will have to keep this team under 20 points to have a chance. Unfortunately, the last time that happened was in 2017. Coach Freeman used being 17-point underdogs as motivation.

The point spread it tough. Notre Dame could put a game plan together to keep this game close, but Ohio State’s offense is so good that they can exploit your weakness and capitalize. This game either comes down to the wire, or it’ll be an Ohio State blowout, but I am confident these two teams can combine for 60.

Pick: Over 59 total points | -110 at DraftKings Sportsbook