Notre Dame at Texas – Preview and Prediction
NOTRE DAME 3.5 TEXAS (58.5)
Implied Projected Score: Notre Dame 31 Texas 27.5
MEGALOCKS LINE – Notre Dame 3
The Game
The fantastic lineup of games keeps coming as Notre Dame travels to Austin to face the Texas Longhorns.
The Match-Up
Notre Dame offense vs Texas defense
The Fighting Irish have an embarrassment of riches at the QB position with two potential stars in DeShone Kizer and Malik Zaire. Both will get work in this game. The Irish also look to be in great shape at RB and on the offensive line. Texas gave up over 30 points and 219 yards rushing per game last season and they are going to have their hands full with the Notre Dame ground attack.
Of course, there are a TON of question marks about the passing game because it is almost a complete and total reload. The running game should open things up but we have no idea who may emerge at WR and TE. The common sense opinion here is that Notre Dame is going to have to do most of the work on the ground. Notre Dame should be good for 3+ points every time they get to the Texas 30 as PK Justin Yoon is excellent.
Texas offense vs Notre Dame defense
We are really interested to see how TRUE FRESHMAN QB Steve Buechele handles his first assignment. The good news is that the stable of Texas RBs is loaded and we are most excited to watch Chris Warren III this year as he finished off 2015 with a bang. The offensive line is very young, and Texas did give up 32 sacks last year, so it will be crucial for the big uglies to do a good job against the Irish front. Texas was 117th in the FBS last year in passing so it is hard to project too much improvement until we see how Buechele does under fire.
We know Notre Dame has some great talent on defense, but much like a lot of the other games we analyzed this week, it is hard to know how good this defense will actually be until we see them in action. They gave up 176 yards rushing per game last season so we expect Texas will be able to move the ball on the ground.
Tasty Tidbits
Texas was a mess last year in week one but for the record did lose at Notre Dame 38-3 last season….TRENDS GUY has a headache right now….Texas is 23-10 to the under in their last 33 games but Notre Dame is 13-6 to the over in their last 19 games…..We have lost track of all the Notre Dame suspensions, allegations and tomfoolery but be aware that Notre Dame has lost some depth….and on the flipside…Texas picked up some additional talent via transfer during the summer.
Summary
Too much uncertainty to recommend a play on either side. Really concerned about Notre Dame’s passing attack. Equally concerned about the Texas QB situation.
Conclusion
No official play.
Lean: Small potatoes lean to the under at any number 57 or better should you need to make a play on the game.