The Notre Dame Fighting Irish will face a tough test when they take on the Louisville Cardinals this Saturday. Here’s our preview, which includes a prediction, using the best college football odds from the top sportsbooks.
NCAAF Pick: Louisville +6 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Louisville vs. Notre Dame
Saturday, September 28, 2024 – 03:30 PM ET at Notre Dame Stadium
Louisville’s Strong Showing Against Georgia Tech
Louisville’s 31-19 victory over Georgia Tech showcased a well-rounded team performance, with critical plays coming at key moments. Ja’Corey Brooks’ 57-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter gave the Cardinals momentum, and Tayon Holloway’s blocked field goal return for a 45-yard touchdown sealed the win. Louisville excelled in all phases of the game, demonstrating their ability to score in various ways.
The Cardinals jumped out to a 17-7 lead in the second quarter, but Georgia Tech fought back to tie the game at 17 late in the third. Tyler Shough’s deep pass to Brooks, despite defensive interference, put Louisville back on top, and Holloway’s defensive heroics helped them hold onto the lead.
Shough was efficient, completing 13 of 19 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns, with Brooks being his primary target, racking up 125 yards on four catches. Chris Bell added two catches for 82 yards, including a 37-yard touchdown that helped establish an early lead.
Notre Dame’s Vulnerabilities
Notre Dame struggled early but eventually pulled off a 28-3 victory over Miami OH. Despite their slow start, the Irish put up 28 unanswered points to improve to 3-1 on the season.
Riley Leonard was the standout performer, contributing to three of the team’s touchdowns and compiling 297 total yards, including 143 rushing yards. His 50-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter helped put the game out of reach for Miami OH.
Leonard’s performance wasn’t flawless, as he missed several throws early on. However, his ability to connect on deep passes, like his touchdown to Beaux Collins, and his effectiveness as a dual-threat quarterback ultimately helped Notre Dame take control of the game.
Louisville’s Potential to Keep It Close
Louisville has shown they have the tools to compete with Notre Dame. With an efficient offense led by Shough, and dynamic playmakers like Brooks, they can challenge the Irish’s defense. Brooks’ ability to stretch the field and make explosive plays, combined with Bell’s deep-threat potential, gives Louisville a diverse and dangerous offensive attack.
Defensively, the Cardinals have proven they can step up in big moments. Holloway’s blocked field goal and return for a touchdown against Georgia Tech is a prime example of Louisville’s ability to make game-changing defensive plays. This type of opportunistic defense could be a difference-maker against a Notre Dame team that has struggled to start fast in multiple games.
Louisville’s capacity to score in all three phases—offense, defense, and special teams—makes them versatile enough to keep this game competitive. Notre Dame’s early-game inconsistencies, as seen in their slow start against Miami OH, could allow Louisville to stay within reach and capitalize on key moments to prevent the Irish from pulling away.
NCAAF Pick
Louisville’s balanced attack, clutch defensive plays, and ability to withstand comebacks—like when Georgia Tech tied the game at 17—indicates they have the resilience to hang with Notre Dame, even if they fall behind early. Combined with Notre Dame’s inconsistency in the opening stages of games, Louisville has a solid case to cover the +6 spread.
NCAAF Pick: Louisville +6 (-110) at Bet365
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