Notre Dame at Michigan Odds & Picks

Written September 10, 2009 by Hector Garza

notre-dame-michigan-predictions-091009 Michigan remains unranked after a season opening win, and plays host to #18 Notre Dame this weekend at Ann Arbor. The Wolverines lead the overall series 20-15-1 and boast an 11-7 advantage at home. Game time is set for 3:30 p.m. EDT on Saturday, with the college football odds showing a total of 50 points on the over/under and the Fighting Irish as the favorite by 3 points.

Head coach Charlie Weis breathed a sigh of relief after watching his offense come together for 510 total yards against Nevada last week. Perhaps most impressive was the play of QB Jimmy Clausen. He went 15 of 18 for 315 yards and four touchdowns. Three of the td’s and 189 yards went to Michael Floyd. Armando Allen also played well rushing for an average of 4.8 per carry and 1 touchdown against a Nevada defense that was ranked #6 nationally against the run.

Notre Dame posted their first shut out under the Weis 5 year coaching era against a potent Nevada offense that averaged 37.6 points last year. The defense tallied two interceptions, a fumble recovery and sacked the elusive Colin Kaepernick twice. While Nevada was able to run the ball successfully, the Fighting Irish held them to 307 total yards. If the defense can hold Michigan to the 18.2% third down conversion percentage they did in week 1, look for Notre Dame to roll. If you are planning to bet this game, or any game this week, why not get $500 extra to bet with? Just open a new account at BetUS and deposit at least $500 and they’ll automatically add $500 to your account!

Last week the maize and blue got off on the right foot as two freshman QB’s, Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson, combined for 15-24 passing with 197 yards and three touchdowns, in addition to rushing for 111 yards and a score. Wide receiver Junior Hemingway emerged as a deep threat garnering 5 receptions for 102 yards and two td’s. The Wolverines showed a balanced attack with 242 rushing yards and 198 passing yards against a Western Michigan team hoping to compete for the Mid American Conference West title. The offense will be looking to exploit a ND defense that gave up 153 yards rushing last week.

38 rushing yards was all that a stingy Michigan attack gave up last week. They also had eerily similar stats as ND defensively with two interceptions, a fumble recovery and two sacks. The secondary was the weak link, giving up 263 yards in the air, and will face a much greater challenge in a effective Notre Dame passing attack. Look for DE Brandon Graham to make some waves like he did last year with 3.5 sacks against the Irish.

In his second year at the helm, Rich Rodriguez and Michigan are looking for redemption from their disappointing 3-9 record last year, and a win against a ranked team would help catapult them toward the top of the big 10 standings and a potential 4-0 start. The rivalry between these two teams is one of the greatest in college football, and this game has all the makings of a chess match between two great head coaches I think the Wolverines’ inexperience at QB gives Notre Dame the edge and the win.

Garza’s Pick: Notre Dame Fighting Irish -3

For premium football picks on this game and many more in week 2, be sure you check out the college football picks from our winning handicappers. If you plan to do any college football betting, shouldn’t you be following the experts?

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