Miami
vs.
Notre Dame
College Football Pick
10/29/16
Which previously overrated team is worse: Miami or Notre Dame? We should find out soon enough after this Game. Nothing has gone right for the Fighting Irish this season, while the ‘Canes are in a similar spot having lost their last three. Either way, on the road, the Hurricanes opened as -2.5 point favorites.
Miami was thought to be good, winning the first Four Games of the year, but now we know that none of them were against quality opponents. against tougher opposition, the ‘Canes have faltered in winnable circumstances. At Virginia Tech last week, Miami never really had a shot in the 37-16 loss. At the least, they got extra rest from a Thursday Game.
Notre Dame would probably like more rest even after having the week off because nothing has gone right for them, now with a 2-5 record. The Irish’s lone wins came against Nevada and Syracuse, while most recently coming up short against a mediocre Stanford team. Even at home, it’s hard for anyone to take Notre Dame at this point. Then again, who wants to back Miami?
The issue for the Irish has been on the defensive side for most of the season, but DeShone Kizer has really struggled in tough situations the last two Games, having failed to throw a touchdown in either contest. In addition, he has now thrown a pick in six straight Games, yet is still being rated as one of the top QBs in the nation on NFL draft boards. If Kizer can’t turn things around against this defense, it’s a wonder what the future holds for him.
That said, it’s hard to see Josh Adams and Tarean Folston not finding room on the ground in this Game. Miami just gave up 251 rushing yards to the Hokies last time out, and while the Irish are struggling to do anything, the running Game should open up this offense some. If not, it’s hard to see them winning.
The Hurricanes have had problems of their own on the offensive end after such a good start. They haven’t surpassed 20 points in the last three Games and it’s not like the defenses they’ve played are top of the line. Notre Dame’s definitely isn’t, so there’s hope.
Quarterback Brad Kaaya has failed to show much improvement in his junior year, but one has to think he’ll have a big Game against this defense. Kaaya has been off-and-on this season with 12 TDs to 5 INTs. Due to a bad offensive line, he’s struggled as of late. But first, the ‘Canes will likely try and get something on the ground, similar to Notre Dame. Mark Walton and Joseph Yearby are quality running backs, but neither has done much in recent losses.
This is basically a Game of two teams that no one trusts right now. Is home-field advantage enough to take the Irish?
The Hurricanes are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 following an ATS loss and 2-6 ATS vs. team with a losing record. The Fighting Irish are 1-4 ATS vs. a team with a winning record, 2-5 ATS in their last seven home Games, but 8-2 ATS in their last 10 home Games against a team with a winning road record.
Our Pick – The Irish have 2 wins. They need 6 to qualify for a Bowl Game. They have 5 Games remaining. Little room for error. Can you imagine a Bowl season without Notre Dame? Doesn’t happen all that often (last time 2009). Notre Dame the more desperate of the two. Expect them to play like it. Notre Dame +2.5