One of the best rivalries in college football will pick back up on Saturday night when the Michigan Wolverines host the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. These are two of the most storied college football programs, and they both have been really good of late. Michigan simply cannot afford any more losses this season, and Notre Dame can’t lose if they want any chance of reaching the College Football Playoffs this season. The Michigan Wolverines are -1.0 point favorites over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Saturday night.
Notre Dame comes into this game with a record of 5-1, and their only loss won’t hurt them in the playoff race. The Fighting Irish suffered a 23-17 defeat at the hands of the Georgia Bulldogs early in the season, but they have won three straight games. Michigan comes into this game with a record of 5-2, including a seven point loss to Penn State a week ago. The Wolverines are a perfect 4-0 at home this season, and they will be playing in front of their huge crowd in this game.
Michigan Defense Needs to Step Up
If Michigan is going to knock off the Fighting Irish in this game then their defense is going to have to play much better. The Wolverines are giving up just 19.0 points per game, but have given up at least 25 points in the last two weeks. The defense has racked up 23 sacks already this season, but they have just five takeaways. Michigan is going to have to get some pressure on Ian Book if they are going to slow down the Notre Dame offense.
Quarterback Shea Patterson played a terrific game against the Penn State Nittany Lions, but it wasn’t enough to win the game. Patterson has completed less than 58 percent of his passes this season, but he has plenty of talent to lead this team. Running back Zach Charbonnet is averaging close to five yards per carry, and has found the end zone seven times. Michigan will need to score points to win this game.
Book Leading Talented Notre Dame Offense
Michigan might have a solid offense this season, but Notre Dame can be explosive. Quarterback Ian Book is one of the best players in the country, and he can make plays with his arm and his legs. Book has thrown 14 touchdown passes to just two interceptions, and has also ran for close to 200 yards this season. Running back Tony Jones Jr. is leading the team with 557 rushing yards, and will need to have a big night in this game.
Notre Dame gave up 27 points in the win over USC a week ago, but they pitched a shutout a week ago. The Fighting Irish are giving up just 16.0 points per game, and they have played plenty of explosive offenses this season. Julian Okwara leads the team with four sacks this season, and should be able to get some pressure on Patterson in this game. The Fighting Irish defense doesn’t have to be great, but they just need to give their offense a chance.
Notre Dame Wins Huge Road Game
Winning on the road in this rivalry has been extremely rare, but that should happen this season. Notre Dame is the much more complete team, and they still have a shot to play their way into the College Football Playoffs. Michigan was supposed to be a much better team this season, but they just can’t seem to figure things out. The Wolverines will have the edge of playing at home in this game, but they just aren’t good enough to beat the Fighting Irish. Bet on Notre Dame + 1.0 over Michigan in this huge rivalry game in week eight. Take the Irish at our favorite pay per head betting location at RealBookies.com
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