Michigan vs Notre Dame CFB Odds, Betting Preview 9/1/18

A rivalry renewed as the Michigan Wolverines battle it out with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish for the first time since 2014. Notre Dame won that last contest at home by a score of 31-0. This game has a start time of 7:30 pm ET and will take place at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. The Wolverines went 8-5 last year, while the Irish finished up at 10-3.

Lines:  Notre Dame -1.5… Over/Under 46.5

A Look At Michigan

The Wolverines went 10-3 in Harbaugh’s first two seasons, but slipped to 8-5 last year. They have a great shot at getting to double digits in wins this year. They have 17 starters back and are truly loaded on defense. Michigan had just one starter back on defense last year and still allowed just 18.8 ppg and 271 ypg. This year, they have nine starters back and have the best secondary in the nation. They should matchup well against Notre Dame’s wide receivers. This could very well be the best defense in the nation and it has depth with 29 lettermen back.

The Wolverines didn’t have a great offense last year, but that should change this year as Shea Patterson comes over from Ole Miss to play QB. He hasn’t thrown a pass for the Wolverines yet and is still considered the 2nd best QB in the league. Patterson threw for 3139 yards and 23 TDs for the Rebels last year. He has good weapons with their top eight pass catchers back from a year ago. Also, they have their top two running backs returning and a solid offensive line. With Patterson on board, they should easily top the 25.2 ppg they put up last year. Still, Notre Dame will have a solid offense waiting for them.

A Look At Notre Dame

The Fighting Irish went 10-3 last year and topped their season off with a 21-17 win over LSU in the Citrus Bowl. Notre Dame has to replace two strong offensive linemen and their top running back, but still have Brandon Wimbush back at QB. Last year, he threw for 1870 yards with 16 TDs and just six INTs, while rushing for 803 yards. RB Josh Adams is gone but Dexter Williams is ready to take over after rushing for 360 yards on just 39 carries last year. That’s 9.2 yards per carry folks. The receiver corps has plenty of talent as well. This could be Kelly’s best offense yet.

Their defense made great strides last year as they allowed just 21.5 ppg, after giving up 27.8 pg in 2016. This year, they have 25 of 31 lettermen back on this side of the ball, including nine starters. They are led by a linebacking crew that is one of the best in the nation, while the secondary isn’t far behind. It will be their best defense since the 2012 one that allowed just 12.8 ppg on the year. Notre Dame has the pieces in place for a strong season and a run at a playoff spot. Still, this Michigan team is no slouch and that will make this game an all-out war.

Trends

Michigan is:

5-2 ATS in their last 7 vs. INDEP

1-5 ATS in their last 6 non-conference games

The Over is 7-1-1 in their last 9 non-conference games

Notre Dame is:

4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in September

1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. the Big Ten

The Under is 4-0 in their last four non-conference games