LAS VEGAS — Jayden Fielding’s 33-yard field goal, scored with just 26 seconds left on the clock, not only sealed Ohio State’s 34-23 victory against Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff championship game on Monday night but also provided a win for those who had bet on Ohio State.
The Buckeyes were favored by 8.5 points at BetMGM Sportsbook, and after taking a commanding 31-7 lead in the third quarter, it seemed that Ohio State would cover the spread with ease. However, the Fighting Irish made a strong comeback with two touchdowns and successful two-point conversions, narrowing the deficit to just eight points as the game approached its final moments.
In a dramatic turn, bettors on Notre Dame found themselves in a favorable position, especially when the Irish had an opportunity to regain possession for a chance to equalize. But facing a crucial third-and-11 at the Ohio State 34-yard line, quarterback Will Howard countered a Notre Dame blitz with a remarkable 56-yard pass to Jeremiah Smith. This play not only secured the game for Ohio State but also set the stage for the field goal that would ultimately cover the point spread.
“Ohio State covering was a positive outcome for bettors,” noted Christian Cipollini, the trading manager at BetMGM. “From a futures perspective, we were content with either team winning. The introduction of the 12-team playoff has proven to be successful, as each game has attracted significant betting interest.”
This championship matchup highlighted the escalating excitement and competitive spirit surrounding college football betting, marking the event as one of the most wagered games of the season.
