Final Ohio State vs. Notre Dame predictions from Stephen A. Smith and First Take before CFP kickoff
The Ohio State Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish are set to kick off in a few hours on Monday night. ESPN's First Take was on the ground in Atlanta before the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Of course, Stephen A. Smith, Cam Newton, and Shannon Sharpe had to make their picks known. Watch […]
The Ohio State Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish are set to kick off in a few hours on Monday night. ESPN's First Take was on the ground in Atlanta before the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
Of course, Stephen A. Smith, Cam Newton, and Shannon Sharpe had to make their picks known. Watch it here, or read our synopsis below.
Sharpe began, "I'm going with the Buckeyes. I would love to see Notre Dame win, but I'm going with the Buckeyes."
Sharpe has no fan-related reason to want the Irish to win, but he previously said he'd like to see Notre Dame win to spite former head coach Brian Kelly. Kelly's nastiness and unlikability has united many fans and analysts alike.
Newton was next, saying, "I''m going with Notre Dame. Now, we know Notre Dame is the underdog. My biggest question is how does Ohio State handle being the favorite?"
This was a strange question posed by the former Auburn and Carolina Panthers quarterback. The Buckeyes have been favored in every game throughout the College Football Playoff thus far and have won each by two scores. There's nothing to suggest Ohio State can't handle this moment.
Finally, Smith said, "This is going to be a thriller. Notre Dame's only chance is to be the most physical team and to make sure this goes late into the game and it's a one-score game. I just don't see Ohio State losing this game. They have too many weapons. I have Ohio State pulling away and winning the National Championship tonight.
