Oddschecker+
Positive EV Bets
Odds format
United States
Canada
OH
United States
Canada
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football Helmet

College Football Playoff Predictions, Picks, Odds: Best Bets for Notre Dame vs. Penn State on Jan. 9

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish will try to win their way back to their first National Championship appearance since 2013 when they take on the Penn State Nittany Lions tonight. Can Marcus Freeman's squad take down the Nittany Lions on Thursday night in the Orange Bowl? Next Level Bets brings us his prediction and best bet for the College Football Playoff Semifinal of Notre Dame vs. Penn State.

Next Level Bets - January 9, 2025, 1:34 PM EST

4 min

College Football Playoff Predictions, Picks, Odds: Best Bets for Notre Dame vs. Penn State on Jan. 9

Tonight’s playoff showdown features two powerhouse programs with elite defenses. Penn State and Notre Dame are set to clash in what promises to be an intense and physical matchup, as both teams aim to prove themselves on the national stage.

Get oddschecker+ right now for just $0.99 per month. Don't miss out on this first month deal!

Notre Dame vs. Penn State Odds

Notre Dame vs. Penn State Date, Time, and Where To Watch

  • Date: January 9, 2024
  • Time: 7:30 pm ET
  • Where To Watch: ESPN

Click here for the latest Notre Dame vs. Penn State CFP Odds

Notre Dame vs. Penn State Prediction

This game is pivotal for Penn State head coach James Franklin, who holds a 3-17 record against top-ranked teams and faces mounting pressure to deliver in big moments. Penn State’s defense is among the best in the nation and will aim to contain Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard, preventing him from making plays with his legs.

On the other side, Notre Dame’s defense, led by Coach of the Year Marcus Freeman, is equally formidable. They thrive on physicality and won’t allow Penn State to establish their ground game easily. The result should be a tightly contested, low-scoring game dominated by defense.

While these teams are evenly matched, coaching decisions could prove to be the difference. James Franklin’s history of questionable choices in critical moments may tilt the scales in favor of Notre Dame. 

Notre Dame vs. Penn State Pick

onboarding-background

Join the oddschecker Community

Bet with Intelligence

Sign-up for an oddschecker account to get expert picks, ai-driven betting tools and best odds across sportsbooks.