Week 1 of the college football season continues on Sunday with a marquee matchup. Notre Dame and Miami are set to renew their historic rivalry tonight in South Florida. The Fighting Irish enter this one with sky-high expectations following last season’s CFP championship game appearance. The pressure is on Mario Cristobal’s Hurricanes as well, who fell just short of the postseason in 2024. Which side is getting more bets in this top-ten showdown?
Ahead of this Sunday night clash, here’s who the betting public is backing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
How is the public betting Notre Dame vs. Miami?
Notre Dame enters Sunday as -142 favorites, with the spread three points in their favor. In comparison, Miami has +120 odds as the underdog. The over/under is currently set at 50.5 points.
Not only are the Irish a terrific team, but they also are one of college football’s most popular. Therefore, it’s no shock that nearly 78% of all bets and 72% of the handle on the moneyline is backing Notre Dame. The spread is a similar story; 78% of bets and the handle are going towards the Irish. A season-opening win against a top-ten program on the road isn’t unheard of for Marcus Freeman’s squad. In 2024, Notre Dame traveled to College Station and took down Texas A&M in Week 1.
Things get a bit more interesting when looking over Sunday’s point total. 50.5 is right in the territory of high, but not too high. 52% of bets are supporting the over compared to just 43% of the handle. Miami made a splash this offseason, bringing in former Georgia quarterback Carson Beck. The senior is the epitome of a gunslinger, preferring to air it out rather than dink and dunk. On the flip side, Notre Dame will be starting redshirt freshman CJ Carr behind center. Expect the Irish to feed star running back Jeremiyah Love early and often in this one.
Most Popular Player Props
Here are the five player props in this Notre Dame-Miami matchup receiving the most bets:
- Jeremiyah Love anytime TD scorer (-235)
- Carson Beck anytime TD scorer (+340)
- Jeremiyah Love 2+ TDs (+240)
- Eli Raridon anytime TD scorer (+475)
- Carson Beck 250+ passing yards (+110)
As previously mentioned, the Fighting Irish love to pound the rock. It all starts with Jeremiyah Love, arguably the most electric running back in the country. Last season, he ran for 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns on an efficient 6.9 yards per carry. Entering his junior year, a similar stat line should be expected from Notre Dame’s most electric player. Love enjoyed three different multi-touchdown performances in 2024.
The biggest name in this matchup is Carson Beck. Expectations were high for the QB last season with Georgia. Ultimately, poor decisions and injuries ended his time in Athens on a down note. Still, the senior’s talent is undeniable. Last season with the Bulldogs, he threw for 3,485 yards and 28 touchdowns to 12 interceptions. The 23-year-old will have his hands full with this Notre Dame secondary, led by All-American Leonard Moore. Beck threw for at least 250 yards in seven of his 13 games. However, he only managed to rush for one touchdown.
Looking for a non-superstar to bet on? Notre Dame’s Eli Raridon could be your man. The tight end should play a major role with 2024 starter Mitchell Evans in the NFL. At 6’7″, the junior has the potential to be a menace in the red zone. That’s ideal for most quarterbacks, especially one making his first collegiate start. Don’t be shocked if Carr forms an immediate connection with his big TE. At nearly five-to-one odds, Raridon is worth consideration for bettors.
