Central Michigan vs. Notre Dame Prediction
Unranked Central Michigan travels to northern Indiana to face #9 Notre Dame at 2:30 PM ET on Saturday on Peacock. Can the Fighting Irish cover the 34.5-point spread as home favorites this weekend?
Central Michigan is 1-1 straight up this season and 0-2 against the spread. Their only win came against New Hampshire.
Notre Dame is 3-0 straight up this season and 3-0 against the spread. Their best win came against North Carolina State.
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
139 Central Michigan Chippewas (+34.5) at 140 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (-34.5); O/U 51.5
2:30 PM ET, Saturday, September 16, 2023
Notre Dame Stadium, Notre Dame, IN
Central Michigan vs. Notre Dame Public Betting Information
As of this writing, the public is favoring the Fighting Irish in this game. Our CFB Public Betting page shows that 57% of public bets are on Notre Dame -34.5. Note that these numbers are subject to change and could be different once game time rolls around.
Central Michigan Chippewas Game Notes
Central Michigan quarterback Bert Emanuel Jr. had a mixed bag of a game in the Chippewas’ 45-42 win over New Hampshire last weekend. Emanuel only completed 7 of 19 passes for 193 yards and posted a QBR of 43.5. Despite throwing 2 interceptions, Emanuel did throw 2 touchdown passes as well. To top it all off, Emanuel had 21 carries for 102 yards and 2 touchdowns. He will be key to Central Michigan potentially staying in this game.
Chippewas defensive back Donte Kent made a significant impact in his team’s victory last Saturday. Kent led the team with 10 solo tackles and also added a pass breakup. Kent and the rest of the Central Michigan secondary will need to play well for the Chippewas to cover the number this weekend.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Game Notes
Notre Dame starting middle linebacker JD Bertrand is experiencing concussion-like symptoms, and he’s officially been ruled out for Saturday’s home date with Central Michigan. Bertrand is fourth on the team with 13 total tackles this season.
Notre Dame reserve running back Devyn Ford missed last week’s game with concussion-like symptoms, but he’s feeling better and is officially listed as probable for Saturday’s game. Ford is listed as the fourth-string running back on the team’s depth chart but could see an increase in carries if Notre Dame wants to save their starters for next week’s big game against Ohio State.
Central Michigan vs. Notre Dame Betting Trends
The over is 9-1 in Notre Dame’s last 10 games.
Central Michigan was 2-0 ATS against ranked opponents last season.
Central Michigan was 2-1-1 ATS in non-conference games last season.
The over is 7-7 in Central Michigan’s last 14 games.
Central Michigan vs. Notre Dame Betting Prediction
For Notre Dame, this has all the makings of a trap game. The Fighting Irish will host Ohio State next Saturday night on NBC in a likely top-10 showdown that figures to have potential College Football Playoff implications. It would be easy for Notre Dame to overlook a Central Michigan team who only beat FCS New Hampshire by 3 points last weekend.
Central Michigan covered the spread on the road against ranked opponents Oklahoma State and Penn State last season. The Chips also hung 45 points on a New Hampshire team that went to the FCS playoffs last season. Central Michigan coach Jim McElwain is overqualified to be coaching in the MAC, and I like his chances to keep his team within 5 touchdowns of the Irish on Saturday. I’ll take Central Michigan and the points on the road.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 3 PREDICTION: CENTRAL MICHIGAN CHIPPEWAS +34.5