Western Michigan at Notre Dame
Written by Steve Janus - Google +
This Saturday the Notre Dame Fighting Irish will look to move above .500 for the first time this season, as they get ready to host the Western Michigan Broncos. Notre Dame grabbed their second win in a row last week, as they did just enough to beat Pittsburgh 23-17 at home, while the Broncos snapped a two game losing streak with an easy 45-16 win at Ball State. The oddsmakers are calling for a Notre Dame route this weekend, as the current odds have the Fighting Irish favored by 24-points over the Broncos at home.
Western Michigan (2-3, 1-1 MAC)
The Broncos offense really looked good last week, as quarterback Alex Carder threw for 265 yards and a score, while also leading the team with 66 rushing yards and three more touchdowns. It was a big game for Carder’s confidence, as he had thrown just two touchdowns to five interceptions in the previous two games. Defense and special teams also got in on the action, as Lewis Toler returned an interception for a touchdown, and kicker John Potter scored on a 8 yard run
As good as the Broncos looked last week, going on the road and beating a top school like Notre Dame is no easy task, and the Broncos figured to be completely out matched in this game. Offensively the Broncos will likely be able to get at least a couple touchdowns and could make things interesting early, but defensively I think they will have no chance of stopping the Fighting Irish.
Notre Dame (3-3)
While the Irish came away with a win last week against the Panthers, this game could have easily went the other direction, as the Panthers drove inside the Notre Dame 20-yard line three times in the first half, but managed to come away with just three points. Notre Dame was out-gained in the game both passing and running the football, and were just 4 of 12 on third down conversions. Quarterback Dayne Crist had a solid day throwing the football, as he finished with 242 yards and a score on 24 of 39 passing, but the Fighting Irish managed just 87 yards rushing.
I am still a little unsure on just how good this football team really is, but I think we will have a much better idea after this weeks game. Offensively the Fighting Irish should have no trouble moving the football against the Broncos, and with the way the defense has played the past couple weeks, they should be able to hold the Broncos in check and take home an easy win.
Looking at the Odds: While I think Notre Dame has no trouble winning this game, I don’t believe they are going to do enough offensively to cover the 24 point spread. Western Michigan can move the football threw the air, and the Fighting Irish have struggled stopping the pass so far this season, as opposing offenses average 252 yards a game. My final score prediction is Notre Dame 38, Western Michigan 17.
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