College Football Prediction: Notre Dame Fighting Irish to Pummel Purdue
This week is the start of college football and the start of a new era in Notre Dame Football. This Saturday, Notre Dame kicks off the 2010 season as they host the Purdue Boilermakers. The old regime has been ousted as Charlie Weis was replaced by Brian Kelly as the head coach of the Fighting Irish. This is a statement game for the Irish to prove to the many fans and perhaps more importantly the boosters that the program is back on the winning track.
BetMania has listed the College Football sports betting odds for this game and they have Notre Dame listed as 12 point favorites and the total is set at 55.
Purdue's Lone Bright Spot
1 of 5
Purdue is a team that is basically in a rebuilding mode, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have some talent. Robert Marve will be tossing passes for Purdue this year and this transfer out of Miami has a big time arm. He has looked great in running drills in practice up to this point and will develop as a great passer in a spread offense that seems made for him.
The problem is the key areas around him such as offensive line, and running back are question marks for Purdue. The running back unit is in shambles. Ralph Bolden will miss at least part of the season and Al-Terek McBurse is practicing with a sore lower left leg. True freshman Reggie Pegram is the only decent option in the backfield and his lack of experience will be a problem early in the year. The offensive line is still learning, but will not be completely ready for the Irish on opening day.
Notre Dame's Improving Defense
2 of 5
The Irish defense got some good news heading into this game. The associated press reported that Irish inside linebacker Anthony McDonald has been upgraded from doubtful to questionable for Notre Dame’s opener against Purdue. He will be available as a backup in the opening game, but will provide leadership on and off the field.
The secondary will be tested against the spread offense of Purdue. Harrison Smith, Darrin Walls, Robert Blanton, Gary Gray and Jamoris Slaughter all have experience and will be up to the challenge.
Manti Te’o will excel at linebacker under the new system that Kelly will be implementing at Notre Dame.
The defense has plenty of players that can surprise and have great years, but let’s face it, when Kelly is the head coach it’s all about the offense.
Notre Dame's offense
3 of 5
When Kelly was head coach at Cincinnati he was known for his spread offense and the ability to put up plenty of points against almost any opponent.
He is going to do the same thing in South Bend with the Irish.
Quarterback Dayne Crist is an exceptional passer for the Irish, and will excel in Kelly’s system. Wide Receiver Michael Floyd will be his go to guy and against a weak Purdue defense the offense should have no problem moving the ball down the field.
The Irish will be able to pass in this game but don’t count out the rushing attack as a weapon due to the fact that Purdue finished 94th in the nation against the run. (173.4 yards per game and 26 rushing touchdowns last year)
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Game Time Prediction
4 of 5
The Irish defense will be vastly improved from a year ago. They will be able to stuff an inadequate rushing game and pressure Marve all day long. Purdue is 5-12 against the spread (ATS) in road games where the total is posted between 52.5 and 56. This is a reflection of a porous defense that is little improved from a year ago. Marve is too talented not to score on offense, but he won’t be able to do it without any help.
Notre Dame struggled to end the season last year ATS and cost football betting backers some money, but that was under Weis. The team knew the season was a waste and gave up on the coaching staff.
This is a new year, a new coaching staff, and a new attitude.
Notre Dame wins big at home to start the season.
Notre Dame Football
5 of 5
Notre Dame football is ready to make a splash onto the national scene and prove they are worthy of all the hype. It all starts with a big win on opening day!
Sign up at Bet Mania and contact customer service with the College Football season promo code REGAW and get a free $50 bet on the game.
Other College Football Articles
For more great articles on sports and sports betting visit: Bookie Blitz
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
