Ball State vs. Notre Dame Prediction
Following a big win in its opener, will Notre Dame face a possible letdown this weekend when it hosts Ball State on Saturday at 3:30PM ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
357 Ball State at 358 Notre Dame
Saturday, September 8, 2018
3:30PM ET – Notre Dame Stadium
TV: NBC
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, Notre Dame is the favorite at home in this game, as the Fighting Irish are getting odds of -34.5 points against the Cardinals. The over/under total has been listed at 62.5 points. The public betting for this game currently has 62 percent going on Notre Dame at home. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our College Football Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Ball State ends skid
Ball State put an end to a 9-game losing streak as a program with its 42-6 win over Central Connecticut State last Thursday. The Cardinals were a 19.5-point favorite at game time and went under the 61.5-point total. Ball State is 2-1 against the spread in its last three.
The Cardinals had a pretty easy time with the Blue Devils, as Ball State put up 652 yards of total offense while holding Central Connecticut State to 291 yards. Ball State was balanced with the ball, putting up 336 yards through the air and 316 on the ground. Quarterback Riley Neal threw for 259 yards and two touchdowns on 23 of 30 passing while James Gilbert rushed for 100 yards on 14 carries.
Irish get past Michigan
Notre Dame had one of the most noteworthy wins in Week 1, beating Michigan 24-17 at home. The Irish were a 2.5-point underdog entering the game and covered for the second straight contest. They also hit the under of 47.5 points.
In the win over Notre Dame, the Irish established a 21-3 lead and controlled the whole game. Michigan made it close in the end, but that was due to the Irish getting conservative on offense. They finished the game with just 302 total yards of offense, with most coming in the first half. Quarterback Brandon Wimbush threw for 170 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 59 yards. Jafar Armstrong added a pair of touchdown runs on 35 yards. Michigan was held to 307 total yards by the Irish, including just 58 rushing yards on 33 attempts.
College Football Betting Trends
Ball State
Ball State has actually covered the spread in eight of its last nine non-conference games and in seven of its last eight against Independent opponents.
Notre Dame
Notre Dame has covered in four straight games in September, but just 2-7 ATS in its last nine games after allowing less than 100 rushing yards in their previous game.
Prediction:
I don’t like this spread for Notre Dame. The Irish are likely to see an emotional dip this week after such a big opener and I am not sure their offense is going to be consistent enough to put up a big number. While I don’t doubt that Ball State won’t be terribly effective on offense, I still think they will make this game more interesting than it needs to be. I will take Ball State getting the big points against Notre Dame.
College Football Prediction: Ball State +34.5