Todd McShay’s Prediction for the 2024 College Football National Championship
As the highly anticipated 2024 College Football National Championship draws near, the Ohio State Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish are set to square off on January 20 at 7:30 p.m. ET. This thrilling matchup promises to be a showcase of elite football talent, with both teams boasting impressive résumés leading up to this climactic moment of the season. Ahead of the game, former ESPN analyst Todd McShay took the opportunity to weigh in on the upcoming battle, sharing his prediction on “The McShay Show.”
McShay started by acknowledging the remarkable achievements of Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish. Under Freeman’s leadership, Notre Dame has enjoyed an exceptional 13-game winning streak and emerged victorious in three College Football Playoff matchups. The Fighting Irish have certainly been one of the most compelling storylines of the 2024 season, demonstrating resilience, skill, and an ability to compete at the highest level. However, despite Notre Dame’s remarkable season, McShay believes the overall matchup heavily favors the Buckeyes of Ohio State.
“I just don’t see the matchups,” McShay explained, citing several critical factors that he feels will play a pivotal role in the game. “There are enough glaring concerns from a matchup standpoint that I would go Ohio State.” The legendary analyst’s prediction came down to key aspects such as the difference in overall team talent, experience in high-pressure situations, and the powerful roster that Ohio State brings to the table.
Ohio State’s Strengths Heading into the Championship Game
Ohio State enters the national championship with a 13-2 record, having battled through a series of tough opponents in the College Football Playoff to secure its place in the title game. The Buckeyes have bested formidable teams like Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas, further bolstering their reputation as one of the most complete teams in the nation. On top of their playoff triumphs, Ohio State also dominated in the regular season with impressive victories over ranked opponents, including No. 3 Penn State and No. 5 Penn State—two crucial wins that solidified their standing as a top contender for the national title.
At the heart of Ohio State’s offensive machine is quarterback Will Howard, who has had an outstanding season. With 33 touchdowns and 3,779 passing yards to his name, Howard has proven himself as one of the premier quarterbacks in college football. His ability to execute plays efficiently, boasting a 72.6% completion rate, has helped propel Ohio State’s offense to new heights. As the leader of the team, Howard’s poise and decision-making will undoubtedly be crucial in the championship clash.
Defensively, Ohio State has assembled an elite group of players, with standout performers like defensive end Jack Sawyer and linebacker Cody Simon leading the charge. Sawyer, with his impressive stats of one interception, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, six pass deflections, nine sacks, and 56 tackles, has been a key figure in Ohio State’s dominant defense. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses has been a significant factor in the Buckeyes’ success. Similarly, Cody Simon’s leadership on defense cannot be overlooked. With 104 tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, seven pass deflections, and seven sacks, Simon has consistently been a force on the field. Together, these defensive standouts give Ohio State a distinct advantage in both stopping the run and pressuring the opposing quarterback.
As the national championship game approaches, Ohio State has been established as an 8.5-point favorite by ESPN BET, underscoring the confidence placed in the Buckeyes’ talent and capabilities. With a powerful offense, a disruptive defense, and a history of success against top-tier teams, Ohio State appears to be in prime position to claim its next national title.
Notre Dame’s Underdog Story
While McShay has his doubts about Notre Dame’s chances, there’s no denying that the Fighting Irish have earned their place in this national championship. Notre Dame’s incredible 13-game win streak has been built on a foundation of strong team dynamics, excellent coaching, and consistent performances across both sides of the ball. Marcus Freeman’s leadership has helped the program rise to national prominence, and many expect the Fighting Irish to put up a fierce challenge against Ohio State.
However, in McShay’s view, the gap between the two teams in terms of individual matchups and overall team depth will prove to be the defining factor. With Ohio State’s superior playmakers, both offensively and defensively, McShay believes the Buckeyes have too much firepower for Notre Dame to overcome. Despite the Fighting Irish’s impressive run to the championship, McShay remains confident that Ohio State will prevail when the two teams face off.
As the countdown to the College Football National Championship continues, fans can look forward to what promises to be an unforgettable clash between two of the sport’s most prestigious programs. Will McShay’s prediction hold true, or will Notre Dame’s underdog story defy expectations once again? Only time will tell.
