Rivals are set to clash on Saturday, with College Football Playoff hopes hanging in the balance. #9 Notre Dame will look to bolster its CFP chances with a win against a ranked opponent. However, #22 Pittsburgh has a claim as the ACC’s best team. In this marquee matchup, expect both teams to lean on their stellar offenses.
These are the top college football player props to consider at DraftKings Sportsbook for Week 12’s contest between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Pittsburgh Panthers.
Notre Dame enters this contest as 12.5-point favorites (-112) over Pitt, with the over/under set at 55.5 points on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Notre Dame vs. Pittsburgh best prop bets
CJ Carr 260+ passing yards (-115)
On a weekly basis, Jeremiyah Love is Notre Dame’s safest bet. The superstar running back is a bonafide superstar, gaining 100+ yards from scrimmage in seven of his nine appearances. Still, success on the ground might be hard to come by on Saturday. Pittsburgh has held opponents to 2.4 yards per carry, the lowest mark in the ACC. Love, with a current line of 92+ rushing yards, isn’t the most enticing bet on the board.
Without a consistent running game, the Irish might need to throw more than usual. That’s not a problem with quarterback CJ Carr under center. Through nine games, the freshman has notched 2,275 passing yards and 19 touchdowns compared to just four interceptions. Granted, there’s often no need to throw given Notre Dame’s prolific running game. Still, the 20-year-old should have more opportunity this weekend against a mediocre Pitt secondary. The Panthers have allowed the ACC’s eighth-most yards per game (237.4) and the fifth-most touchdowns (18) to opposing passers. Carr is poised for one of the best games of his young Irish career.
Raphael Williams Jr. 52+ receiving yards (-123)
To counter Notre Dame’s elite offense, Pittsburgh will need to put up some points. The team’s ground game has been mediocre, led by a combination of running backs Ja’Kyrian Turner and Desmond Reid. However, quarterback Mason Heintschel has been a revelation under center. Since naming the freshman as a starter in Week 6, the Panthers have reeled off five straight wins. During that time, they’ve scored at least 30 points in every contest.
Heintschel’s success wouldn’t be possible without some terrific pass catchers. His favorite target is Kenny Johnson, who leads the team in receptions (37) and yards (573). However, the Irish wield one of the nation’s best cornerbacks in Leonard Moore. The All-American will likely be tasked with slowing down Pitt’s top target. That means some other names will have an increased opportunity for touches. Fellow wideout Raphael Williams has been terrific as well, hauling in 525 yards and an ACC-leading six touchdowns. Notre Dame has had trouble with slot specialists this season, including Miami’s Malachi Toney. The Panthers will need to feed Williams if they have any shot at securing an upset.
