Michigan State at Notre Dame – Football Odds
Written September 18, 2009 by Hector Garza
After a disappointing last minute loss to arch rival Michigan, Notre Dame is looking to bounce back against Michigan State in another battle against the Big 10. This game carries extra significance for Charlie Weis, who is under a lot of pressure to break the 6 game home losing streak they have against the Spartans. Michigan State is also coming off a demoralizing loss to Central Michigan (who?) after losing an onside kick and falling victim to a field goal with 3 seconds left on the clock. Looking at the current college football odds for Saturday, the Fighting Irish are the 10 point favorites with the total set at 55 ½.
Offensively Michigan State has been very efficient, averaging a respectable 35.5 ppg with no turnovers. The Spartans run a 2 QB system featuring Kirk Cousins and Keith Nichol, the former having more success with a 65.7% pass completion and 4 td’s. One receiver, Blair White, stands out with his 16 catches for 267 yards and 2 touchdowns. The offense has rolled up over 400 yards a game, with most of those yards coming through the air. In any case, they haven’t yet met a team of Notre Dame’s caliber.
Greg Jones has been a monster of the defense and is a big reason that they can boast allowing only 289 yards/game and 16 ppg. He seems to be everywhere, gathering 29 tackles and 1.5 sacks. While the offense hasn’t turned the ball over, the defense only has 1 takeaway which is a focus point to improve on. They’ll also need to shore up the pass defense, which allowed 328 yards against Central Michigan’s Dan LeFevour. If you bet college football, do it with an extra $500 when you take advantage of the match bonus going on at BetUS right now.
Jimmy Clausen is licking his chops. He’s thrown no interceptions this year while hooking up with two of the most prolific wide receivers in Michael Floyd and Golden Tate. Despite some uncharacteristic dropped balls last week, the two receivers have combined for an impressive 23 receptions, 494 yards and 6 td. Add in a dash of solid running game with Armando Allen (105.5 yds/game), and you’re looking at an offense that has been flexing its considerable muscles.
Defensively, Notre Dame has been up and down. They shutout a potent Nevada offense in week one, then proceeded to give up 38 points and 190 yards rushing to Michigan the following week. In their defense, one of the touchdowns came on the special teams, but they still gave up two 4th quarter td drives. While the Spartans won’t have the talent of freshman phenom Tate Forcier, the defense will have to step up against an always physical Michigan State team. The Irish will be looking to add to their 3 interceptions this year against an offense that has thrown none.
Notre Dame faces a must win to gain some momentum and salvage their BCS hopes. They’ll have the advantage of playing at home and they’ve had no trouble so far putting up points. The question is which defense will show up against a solid air attack of Michigan State? I think Charlie Weis gets the edge here with his explosive and experienced offense and an attitude of something to prove.
Pick up all of your NCAA football picks this week from the handicappers at Betfirms. When you need expert college football picks, we’ve got you covered!
If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:
- Michigan State at Notre Dame Football Picks
- Notre Dame at Michigan Odds & Picks
- Notre Dame vs Michigan Football Picks
- Football Betting: Notre Dame at Michigan
- Purdue vs Notre Dame Football Odds & Picks
Got something to say?
- Betting on Football
- College Football Odds
- Understanding Football Odds
- Football Gambling
- College Bowl Betting
- Football Betting Forum
- Football Sportsbooks
No comments yet, but your thoughts are welcome!