Sports

CFP Championship Game Tonight: Ohio State vs Notre Dame

Published

11 months ago

January 19, 2025

RANT SPORTS – The Battle of Two of College Football Blue Bloods

On January 20th, the Ohio State Buckeyes are 8-point favorites over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Ohio State is the clear favorite here, but the line has dropped slightly from the opener of 9.5. There have been no upsets during this playoff season so far. Can Notre Dame change all that and shock the world? Let’s take a closer look at this matchup.

Notre Dame undoubtedly leans on its defense. Texas had one of the top defenses in the country, and make no mistake, Notre Dame is in that class. The Irish smothered their first two opponents, Indiana and Georgia, then stepped up and handled Penn State. Although the Nittany Lions found some success late, this Notre Dame defense has been as good as any in the country this year. However, in today’s college football, even the best defenses can be beaten by precise execution.

The Luck of the Irish?

The Irish are a significant underdog due to their inconsistent offense. They make just enough plays and capitalize on timely turnovers to score points. This Notre Dame team thrives on turnovers, as evidenced by their impressive +17 turnover ratio. The Irish have forced a turnover in every game this year, and make no mistake — they must win the turnover battle to stay competitive in this game. Special teams will also be a critical area where Notre Dame must excel. They separated themselves from Georgia with a second-half kickoff return, and despite the season-long stats, they boast an excellent field goal kicker in Mitch Jeter.

To have a chance, Notre Dame needs to grind out drives and keep the ball away from the Buckeye offense. That task has become much more difficult with standout left tackle Anthonie Knapp ruled out due to a high ankle sprain. Right guard Rocco Spindler is also dealing with an ankle injury but is expected to play. A team that relies heavily on the run with an offensive line that’s not at full strength could face significant challenges in this game.

The Buckeyes are on a Mission

Ohio State has been the No. 1 power-rated team all year despite its two losses. As the playoffs have progressed, it has become clear that the Buckeyes are the team to beat. Ohio State has made multiple goal-line stands this season to secure victories when the team wasn’t at its best. The most notable regular-season stand was at Penn State in the final six minutes of the game. Shutting down Texas at the end of the semifinal further highlighted why the Buckeye defense, often overshadowed by their offense, is a force to be reckoned with.

Ohio State has allowed more than 17 points just once this year, and that was against Oregon in Eugene, where the Ducks scored 31. Yes, Oregon also put up 21 points on Ohio State backups earlier in the playoffs when the game was already decided, but the Buckeye defense remains formidable.

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The offense has only been slowed down by itself. Nebraska held them to 21 points in a tough spot, sandwiched between games against Oregon and Penn State. Against Penn State, Ohio State scored just 20 points, but it was the offense’s most impressive moment of the season. After a goal-line stand, they ran off six minutes to end the game, showcasing their dominance in clutch situations. The loss to Michigan was due to uncharacteristic mistakes, reinforcing the need for expanded playoffs to ensure the best teams compete.

Ohio State leans on the pass, averaging 265 yards per game, but they also average a healthy 163 rushing yards on five yards per carry with a mobile quarterback. The Buckeyes are an 8-point favorite for a reason.

Conclusion

When you add it all up, it’s difficult to see how Notre Dame will put up enough points to stay with Ohio State. No matter how good a college football defense is, elite offensive execution can overcome it. Ohio State has clear advantages, even if both teams are fully healthy. Notre Dame’s injuries on the offensive line, especially at left tackle, are significant. Anthonie Knapp’s absence and Rocco Spindler’s limited mobility will be challenging for the Irish to overcome against this talented Buckeye defense.

For the Irish to compete for 60 minutes, they’ll need excellent special teams play, a stolen possession or two, and at least a +2 turnover margin. However, this seems unlikely. While the game might be a slugfest early, as time goes on, expect Ohio State to pull away and claim the National Championship.

PREDICTION: OHIO STATE 27, NOTRE DAME 13

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Sports

Jay-Jay Okocha Names Coach Who Had the Biggest Influence on His Career

Published

54 minutes ago

December 5, 2025

Austin Reed

Paris Saint-Germain legend Jay-Jay Okocha has rankked Serbian coach Dragoslav Stepanovic as the manager with the most significant impact on his career.

Okocha credited Stepanovic for guiding him during his formative years at Eintracht Frankfurt which shaped him in becom of the most skillful players during his active career.

Okocha joined Frankfurt from Borussia Neunkirchen in December 1991, a move that marked the beginning of his rise in European football.

He spent four years at the club, four defining seasons that helped shape his playing style and future success.

Those early years in the Bundesliga showcased Okocha’s incredible talent, as he quickly built a reputation for his mesmerizing footwork, flair, and creativity.

One of his most iconic moments in Germany remains his unforgettable solo goal against Karlsruher SC, where he famously dribbled past multiple defenders, including goalkeeper Oliver Kahn before slotting the ball into the net.

The goal is still regarded as one of the greatest in German Bundesliga history.

Despite his strong start in Germany, Okocha’s time at Frankfurt came to an unexpected end. In 1995, he fell out of favour under new coach Jupp Heynckes, but he has explained why Stepanovic stood out above all other coaches in his career.

“The coach who influenced me the most was my first manager at Eintracht Frankfurt, Dragoslav Stepanovic,” Okocha told R.org.

“It was short, but he influenced me the most throughout my career. Stepanovic is the type of coach every young player deserves to encounter.”

Okocha credited the Serbian coach for giving him both confidence and freedom, qualities that helped him fully express his unique style of play.

“I did not just feel at home at Frankfurt,” he added. “His guidance pushed me to bring the best out of myself.”

After Frankfurt were relegated to the German second division, Okocha moved to Fenerbahce in 1996.

His transfer to Turkey marked the beginning of another electrifying chapter, where his performances attracted international attention and eventually paved the way for his high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain in 1998.

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Sports

Conference Championship Weekend is here

Published

9 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Austin Reed

college championship weekend The 2025 college football season kicks off with one of the most electrifying Week 1 slates in recent memory. With playoff contenders

Conference Championship weekend is here and it is the most decisive weekend has arrived, as the SEC, ACC, Big Ten, and Big 12 Championships take center stage. Four conference championships titles will be contested, each carrying massive implications for the College Football Playoff.

MUST READS – Sports Talk Florida and Sports Talk NY Fans

Alabama and Georgia clash in Atlanta for SEC supremacy, Ohio State battles Indiana in Indianapolis for the Big Ten crown, Duke faces Virginia in Charlotte for the ACC title, and Texas Tech meets BYU in Arlington for the Big 12 championship. With playoff spots hanging in the balance, every snap this weekend will shape the national picture and determine which programs advance to the sport’s ultimate stage.

SEC Title Game

The 2025 SEC Championship Game features the Alabama Crimson Tide (10-2) against the Georgia Bulldogs (11-1) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Kickoff is set for Saturday, December 6 at 4:00 p.m. ET (3:00 p.m. CT).

National Broadcast: ABC, ESPN+ streaming
Local Coverage: WSB-TV Channel 2 Atlanta, regional ESPN Radio affiliates

Alabama enters with momentum after a dramatic Iron Bowl win, while Georgia seeks revenge for its September loss to the Tide. The winner secures the SEC’s automatic bid to the College Football Playoff.

Big Ten Championship: Ohio State vs Indiana

For the first time, both teams enter undefeated (12-0). The Big Ten Championship Game will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Saturday, December 6 at 8:00 p.m. ET.

National Broadcast: FOX, streaming via FOX Sports app
Local Coverage: Big Ten Network pregame, regional FOX affiliates in Ohio and Indiana

Ohio State’s elite defense faces Indiana’s high-powered offense led by QB Fernando Mendoza. The winner likely claims the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.

ACC Championship: Duke vs Virginia

The ACC Conference Championship Game pits Virginia (10-2) against Duke (7-5) at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Kickoff is Saturday, December 6 at 8:00 p.m. ET.

National Broadcast: ABC, ESPN Radio
Local Coverage: Virginia Sports Radio Network, regional ABC affiliates in North Carolina and Virginia

Virginia dominated Duke earlier this season, but the Blue Devils, led by QB Darian Mensah, seek redemption. A Cavaliers win likely secures a College Football Playoff berth.

Big 12 Championship: Texas Tech vs BYU

The Big 12 Championship Game features Texas Tech (11-1) against BYU (11-1) at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Kickoff is Saturday, December 6 at 12:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. CT).

National Broadcast: ABC, streaming via ESPN app
Local Coverage: KSL-TV Utah, regional ABC affiliates in Texas

Texas Tech seeks to confirm its playoff spot, while BYU must win to secure the Big 12’s automatic bid. This rematch follows the Red Raiders’ November victory over the Cougars.

Bottom Line

Championship Weekend delivers four marquee matchups across the SEC, Big Ten, ACC, and Big 12. With College Football Playoff bids on the line, fans nationwide can tune in via ABC, FOX, ESPN Radio, and regional affiliates to watch history unfold.

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Sports

India wants an Olympics

Published

14 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Austin Reed

Indian Olympic Association wants the 2036 Summer Olympics.

The IOC has a problem with tensions between India and Pakistan.

India wants to host the 2036 Summer Olympics and Paralympics events but there is a significant problem. India and Pakistan hostilities resurfaced following a deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir in late April. India blamed Pakistan for supporting the militants while Pakistan said don’t blame us. India’s government is planning to send a high-level delegation to the International Olympic Committee headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland beginning on June 30^th. India wants to continue talks with IOC officials in an effort to host the 2036 Games. GEO News has reported Pakistan is planning to challenge India’s bid to host the Olympics by formally objecting to the IOC, claiming that India has politicized international sporting events. The Indian Olympic Association has officially submitted a Letter of Intent to the IOC. India plans to spend around $7.5 billion on the Games if the country lands the event. India has never bid for the Olympics event. They have the largest population of any country in the world with an estimated 1.4 billion people. It is a market that the IOC probably wants to enter.

The IOC probably will not award the 2036 Games for a few years. India is just one of a number of countries that could bid for the 2036 Games. The IOC no longer wants areas to bid against one another for its crown jewel events, the Summer and Winter Olympics, with the thought that the losing bidders would be upset. The truth is many areas don’t want to put up billions in whatever currency for a money losing event. The IOC has watched bids evaporate in the United States, Europe and in Japan. There are a number of countries that might be bidding for the 2036 Summer Games and that group includes Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Germany, South Korea, Hungary and Qatar. The race for the 2036 Games has begun.

Evan Weiner’s books are available at iTunes – https://books.apple.com/us/author/evan-weiner/id595575191

Evan can be reached at evan_weiner@hotmail.com