Notre Dame and Ohio State are set to battle to be at the top of college football, and it turns out there is some extra money on the line

Even in the eras of NIL and the transfer portal, there is still something so pure about the game of college football. It is the rivalries, and traditions that make the game so incredible. That is true in the national championship game against Notre Dame and Ohio State on Monday night, a game that features […]

Ryan Roberts — National College Football Writer
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Former Notre Dame QB Malik Zaire
The New York Times

Even in the eras of NIL and the transfer portal, there is still something so pure about the game of college football. It is the rivalries, and traditions that make the game so incredible. That is true in the national championship game against Notre Dame and Ohio State on Monday night, a game that features two of the most historic programs in the country.

Not only are both fanbases excited for the opportunity, but so are former players who are preparing for the matchup. Former Notre Dame quarterback Malik Zaire hasn’t been shy of his disdain for the Ohio State program recently. That includes some playful jabs at Buckeye signal caller Will Howard, and his feeling that the Irish are going to come out on top.

There was a friendly back and forth a couple of days ago when former Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones challenged Zaire to a wager on the game. Jones, who was nicknamed “12 Gauge”, has been remembered fondly by the Ohio State fanbase. He was a vital part of the Buckeye national championship victory during the 2014 season. Jones was eventually drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, and ended up playing one season in the NFL.

Zaire was the starting quarterback for Notre Dame to begin the 2015 season but unfortunately, a broken ankle cut his campaign short. After playing the 2016 season with the Irish, Zaire eventually transferred to the University of Florida. The former standout passer still covers Notre Dame closely as a co-host of the Lucky Lefty Podcast.

For the sake of Notre Dame fans, let’s hope that Zaire comes out on top of that bet. This program hasn’t won a national championship since the 1988 season. They are due for finally getting over the hump, and once again stand at the very top of college football. 

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