In the world of college football, the No. 10 ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish are off to a roaring start in the 2023 season, boasting a perfect 2-0 record with convincing wins over Navy and Tennessee State. However, their next challenge is no walk in the park, as they head to Raleigh to face the NC State Wolfpack. With NC State holding a 2-1 lead in the all-time series, this game promises to be a thrilling clash of titans.
Game Odds and Insights Notre Dame vs. NC
For the highly anticipated noon ET kickoff, the odds are in favor of the Fighting Irish, who are listed as 7-point favorites, with the over/under set at 49 points according to Vegas. Before placing your bets on NC State vs. Notre Dame, it’s essential to consider the predictions and betting advice from SportsLine’s reliable computer model.
SportsLine’s Projection Model, which has already started the season with a 4-2 record on top-rated college football picks, is projecting a riveting contest ahead. Since its inception, this model has produced over $2,500 in profit for $100 players who follow its top-rated college football picks against the spread.
Notre Dame’s Strengths
One of the focal points of this matchup is the battle of transfer quarterbacks, and Notre Dame has a promising star in Sam Hartman. With an impressive 80% completion rate in his first two games with Notre Dame, Hartman has thrown for 445 yards and six touchdowns in 2023. Additionally, he holds the title of the all-time leader in passing yards and passing touchdowns at Wake Forest, amassing over 13,000 career yards and 116 touchdown passes. Hartman is a key element of an offense that has scored 98 points in just two games, averaging nearly 41 points per game during a nine-game winning streak against ACC opponents.
On the ground, Audric Estime, the team’s lead rusher, returns after an impressive 2022 season with 920 yards and 11 touchdowns. In 2023, he’s already accumulated 211 yards and two scores, averaging over seven yards per carry. Notre Dame’s defense is equally formidable, conceding only six points in their first two games, with opponents averaging just 162.5 total yards and 55.0 passing yards per game.
Why NC State Can Prevail
NC State has some aces up their sleeves, too, starting with their transfer quarterback, Brennan Armstrong. Hailing from Virginia, Armstrong is a program legend, boasting records in passing yards, passing attempts, passing touchdowns, 200-yard games, 300-yard games, and consecutive games with a passing touchdown. He brings over 9,000 yards and 58 touchdowns from the air at Virginia and is a dual-threat with 22 career rushing touchdowns. Armstrong has already showcased his rushing skills with two touchdowns in the season-opening win against UConn.
Defensively, NC State held UConn to just 4.2 yards per pass and 14 points in their first game, building on a strong defensive performance in 2022 where they led the ACC in points allowed per game (19.4). Their impressive stats also included leading the conference in interceptions (17), top-tier marks in total defense (325.7 yards allowed per game), touchdown passes allowed (14), completion rate allowed (57.7%), yards per carry allowed (3.5), and yards allowed per pass attempt (6.3).
Expert Predictions Notre Dame vs. NC
SportsLine’s model predicts that the total points scored will be under 46, signaling a potentially tight defensive battle. The model also suggests that one side of the spread hits more than 50% of the time, but for a detailed analysis and the model’s final pick, visit SportsLine.
In conclusion, the Notre Dame vs. NC State showdown is set to be an electrifying college football matchup, with both teams showcasing impressive strengths. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a passionate football fan, this game promises to be a must-watch as it unfolds on the field in Raleigh. Stay tuned for what could be a defining moment in the 2023 college football season.