Hurricanes vs Fighting Irish NCAA Football Spread/Handicapping
Notre Dame Stadium will be buzzing Saturday night as the unbeaten Fighting Irish host the Miami Hurricanes. These are two of the most storied programs in the nation, and they have had just one meeting in the past 20 years.
Miami Hurricanes vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend Indiana
Saturday October 6, 7:30 PM EST on NBC
College Football Betting Odds from Bovada
Moneyline: Off
College Football Spread: Notre Dame -14 (-110) vs. Miami +14 (-110)
Over/Under: 53
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Notre Dame has been down in the past two years, but the team is back in a big way this year. The Fighting Irish are set as two touchdown favorites in this one.
Miami
The Hurricanes come into this game with a 4-1 record on the year. Miami was blasted on the road at Kansas State, but the Wildcats are a tough team this year. Other than that, Miami has pulled out several close wins over Boston College, Georgia Tech, and NC State.
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The offense has been much more dynamic this season. It all starts with running back Duke Johnson. Johnson is a freshman, but he is one of the most electrifying players in the nation. Johnson is averaging 6.9 yards per carry so far this season. He also is one of the best kick returners in the nation. Stephen Morris has emerged as a very solid quarterback. Morris threw for 566 yards in last week’s win! Miami is averaging 35.6 points per game this year.
The Miami defense is a major source of concern. The Hurricanes are 118th (out of 124) teams in the nation in total defense. Miami is giving up almost 500 yards of total offense per game. This team doesn’t have any run stuffers on the defensive line, and that is really hurting their performance. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Notre Dame
Notre Dame has been down the last few years, but it sure seems like they are back this season. Notre Dame’s complete domination of Michigan State at East Lansing was one of the most impressive performances by any team so far this year. Brian Kelly’s defense has really stepped up in a big way. Manti Te’o has arguably been the best defensive player in the country so far this year. Te’o is a game-changer at the linebacker spot, and he is a tremendous team leader. Notre Dame is allowing only nine points per game despite playing a very tough schedule so far this season. This week will be a big test for this unit.
The Notre Dame offense has quite a bit of room for improvement. They are 97th in the nation in total offense right now. Everett Golson has three touchdowns and three picks on the season. Golson is a talented quarterback, but he doesn’t seem sure of himself in this offense just yet. Theo Riddick is the team’s leading rusher, and he also leads the team in receptions. The Fighting Irish need to establish a downfield passing game to keep defenses honest as the season moves along.
Notre Dame’s offense has struggled, but this Miami defense is terrible. Miami should be able to put up points against just about anyone this year. Look for a higher scoring game here.
Free College Football Pick: Over 53
