Despite opening the season with two losses, #12 Notre Dame’s playoff hopes are very much alive. Still, there’s no room for error going forward. The Fighting Irish will likely need to win out in order to earn their second-straight CFP berth.
On paper, that shouldn’t be too difficult against 1-7 Boston College. However, the Eagles will be itching to play spoiler against a historic rival. What should college football bettors expect in Chestnut Hill on Saturday? Below is my prediction and pick for Week 10’s game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Boston College Eagles.
Notre Dame enters this contest as 28.5-point favorites (-112) over Boston College, with the over/under set at 55.5 points on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Notre Dame vs. Boston College prediction, preview
It’s been an up-and-down year, but Notre Dame is in a decent spot. Unlike last year’s second-ranked squad, this group possesses a dynamic offense. It starts on the ground, where running back Jeremiyah Love has been dominant. Through seven games, the future first-round pick has gained 758 rushing yards, 197 receiving yards and 12 total touchdowns. Along with backup Jadarian Price, Love helps form one of the nation’s best backfields.
With that being said, the Irish are far from one-dimensional. Quarterback CJ Carr has been a breath of fresh air, giving ND much-needed stability under center. This season, the freshman has thrown for 1,758 yards and 14 touchdowns, tossing only four interceptions. The youngster’s 9.6 yards per attempt are a significant upgrade from last year’s starting QB, Riley Leonard (7.1). Notre Dame has scored at least 30 points in five of its seven appearances thus far.
That level of offensive firepower is a tall order for almost anyone. By every available metric, the Eagles don’t look up to the task. Their defense ranks inside the ACC’s bottom four schools in yards per pass attempt (7.6), yards per rush (4.7) and points per game (34.4). Boston College has allowed at least 38 points to each of its previous four opponents. That includes games against decent, but unspectacular, programs such as UConn and Pittsburgh.
If BC has any shot at keeping things close, it’ll need points on the board. This week’s starting quarterback remains up in the air. Senior Grayson James has gotten the nod over the past two weeks, both losses. However, fellow passer Dylan Lonergan hasn’t looked much better. Through six games, the sophomore has thrown for 1,394 yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions. In fairness to both QBs, there hasn’t been much support via the run. Boston College is averaging 3.3 yards per carry, third-worst in the ACC.
Notre Dame vs. Boston College pick, best bet
Earlier in the year, I’d have more faith that BC could score some points. However, Notre Dame’s defense has rounded into form over the past month. Combined with an elite offense, there’s no reason to think the Fighting Irish won’t dominate this weekend. Still, a spread of nearly 30 points between two Power 4 schools? It’s a bit difficult to back a cover with any confidence.
An easier way to fade the Eagles is by playing the under. Boston College’s quarterback issues, combined with a surging ND defense, spells trouble. The Irish have four straight games after this one; don’t be shocked if the starters sit during the second half. More than 56 combined points feels like wishful thinking on Saturday.
