CFP championship game: Dick Vitale gives prediction for Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

Dick Vitale never fails to reveal his predictions for March Madness. But, only hours away from Ohio State and Notre Dame clashing in the National Championship, the legendary broadcaster couldn’t help but get in on some football action, too.

“My motivational tip of the day — you see my jersey? ND, the Fighting Irish,” Vitale said. “Well, tonight they take on the heavy favorite, the Buckeyes of Ohio State. Well let me tell you this, I don’t know what the score’s going to end up being, I mean Ohio State is so talented.

“But let me tell you this — Notre Dame is filled with kids with great heart, toughness mentally and they play with such heart and passion, very evident after losing to Northern Illinois and then winning 13 straight games. Bottom line is don’t better against the Irish. Don’t bet against the Irish. Yes, I feel in my gut, in my heart, upset city tonight, baby! Let’s go. Here come the Irish.”

The Fighting Irish will need luck on their side. According to FanDuel, Notre Dame is an 8.5-point underdog against Ohio State. However, if anybody knows about miracles, it’s Vitale.

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In June 2024, Vitale announced he had been diagnosed with lymph node cancer and would undergo treatment. It was Vitale’s four battle with cancer since 2021, previously surviving lymphoma, melanoma and vocal cord cancer. While it’s been far from easy, Vitale hasn’t stopped fighting.

If Notre Dame wants to take home its first national title since 1988, it will have to show similar fight. The Fighting Irish certainly haven’t disappointed yet, securing wins over Indiana, Georgia and Penn State in the College Football Playoff.

Vitale was supposed to make his broadcasting return on Jan. 25 but his return was delayed after he suffered a fall earlier this month. Vitale went to the hospital for his injuries but provided an update on his condition on Saturday.

“I’m sorry that [I’m] unable to post about sports but I’m recovering from a tough fall & being kept active at the hospital,” Vitale wrote. “Good news is the neurosurgeons have said I am making great strides & surgery not necessary. So sorry that I can’t get at courtside as was planned.”

Hopefully for Dick Vitale, the CFP National Championship can take his mind off his injuries tonight. Notre Dame and Ohio State will square off at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will air live on ESPN.