I guess everyone brings their own experience, eyes, and ways of looking at teams.
The skill players at Ohio St are probably the best group in the country. If not, they are in the top 3. Their roster is top 3 in terms of talent. Their defense has the best statistical start than any Buckeye D going back to 1975. They will be a more talented team, top to bottom, than any team they play - including ND, PSU, and scUM. That alone makes them favorites, even tho they are on the road against a very good opponent.
If McCord was a more proven commodity, and the OL had a more consistent track record, they would be double digit favorites. Those are the question marks and there is some uncertainty about how they will perform in that environment.
ND certainly can win, but Ohio State should win. I think if ND scores >22 points, the Buckeyes have about an 80% chance of winning. You get to the mid 20s in ND points and it is still about 60%. Upper 20's becomes a toss up and over 30 the odds tip to ND.
I'm looking for a 28-24ish game.