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

Conference Championship Weekend is here

Published

7 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

12 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.

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Evan can be reached at evan_weiner@hotmail.com

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Sports

Exclusive: Lyon’s Moussa Niakhate Eyes Senegal’s Final Squad For AFCON 2025

Published

20 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Austin Reed

Lyon’s Senegalese defender Moussa Niakhate

Olympique Lyon defender Moussa Niakhate is setting his sights firmly on securing a place in Senegal’s final squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to kick off in Morocco on December 18.

Senegal have yet to unveil their provisional 55-man squad, but the 29-year-old remains optimistic about earning a call-up from head coach Pape Thiaw, who succeeded Alliou Cisse earlier this year.

Speaking about his ambitions during the AFCON trophy tour in Paris, Niakhate emphasised both his personal motivation and his pride in representing Senegal on Africa’s biggest football stage.

Niakhate told Sports Talk Florida: “My personal goal is to be in Morocco, especially because the official list has not been released yet.

“God willing, I will be healthy enough to attend and compete for the people of Senegal.”

Senegal’s Group D Challenge at AFCON 2025

Senegal have been drawn in Group D, where they will open their AFCON 2025 campaign against Botswana on December 23.

They will then face the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) before closing their group stage fixtures against Benin on Dececmber 30.

In anticipation of the battle ahead of the Teranga Lions, Niakhate insists the team must remain grounded.

“We all want it, and the Senegalese people want the AFCON title,” he said.

“The success in 2022 was exceptional, so we want to relive that feeling. But before anything, we have to take it one game at a time.” T

Senegal’s maiden AFCON triumph in Cameroon marked a historic moment for the country, with the team producing a remarkable campaign, going unbeaten in both the qualifiers and the main tournament.

Their victory sparked celebrations across the country and inspired a new generation of Senegalese footballers but they suffered a setback in the AFCON 2023.

After an unbeaten start to the tournament, they were eliminated in the round of 16 by host country and eventual champions Ivory Coast on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

With 2026 World Cup qualification already secured, Senegal now aim to cap off an impressive year with another deep run at this year’s continental fiesta in Morocco.

Niakhate’s form at Lyon

The 29-year-old defender joined Lyon from Nottingham Forest in 2024 and has become a leader in Paulo Fonseca’s squad with his crucial defensive performances.

Niakhate has been consistent in form, starting each of Lyon’s combined 19 matches in the French Ligue 1 and the UEFA Europa League so far this season.

In addition to his solid defensive displays, the centre-back has a contribution of a goal and two assists to his name in all competitions.

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