The game of the weekend in college football is the showdown between the no. 3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish and no. 12 Syracuse Orange. The game is on neutral turf at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx with the Fighting Irish listed as 10.5-point favorites, a line that has steadily increased throughout the week.
For Notre Dame, everything is at stake in this game. Wins over Syracuse and USC are all that separate the Irish from a spot in the College Football Playoff. It really is that simple for the 10-0 Irish. However, one loss, even to a top-15 team like Syracuse, could be enough to knock Notre Dame out of the CFP.
Meanwhile, there is almost nothing at stake for the Orange. A win would go a long way toward securing a New Year’s Six bowl, but seeing as how Syracuse hasn’t been to a bowl since 2013, they’ll be happy no matter where they go. For the Orange, this game is merely about measuring themselves against a top-5 opponent and potentially pulling off an upset on national TV.
Book Your Return Flight
After missing last week’s win over Florida State with an injury, Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book is set to return to start against the Orange. While Brandon Wimbush is a viable option and the more athletic of the two, the Notre Dame offense has been far better since Book took over as the starter. With the Syracuse secondary a little banged up and the Orange getting torched by N.C. State’s Ryan Finley not too long ago, albeit in a win, Book’s return is very welcome by the Fighting Irish.
Of course, in the two games Syracuse has lost, they’ve been gashed on the ground. That could make Notre Dame running back Dexter Williams just as important as Book. The Orange knowing that they can’t allow Williams to run wild could open things up for Book. However, if the Irish struggle to run the ball, Syracuse has one of the better pass rushes in the ACC and could put pressure on the quarterback and maybe force a few takeaways.
Speed It Up
Syracuse has become known for their up-tempo offense, which is scoring 44 points per game, good for top-5 nationally. The Orange offense has definitely evolved from the one the Fighting Irish saw when they beat Syracuse two years ago. The key is quarterback Eric Dungey, who’s a competent passer, not to mention one of the toughest and most athletic running quarterbacks in the country.
It’s safe to say the Irish haven’t seen a quarterback like Dungey or an offense like the Orange offense all season. However, outside of their game against Clemson, Syracuse hasn’t seen a defense with Notre Dame’s talent level. Against Clemson, the Orange offense stalled out in the 2nd half, a fate they’ll have to avoid on Saturday.
So You’re Saying There’s A Chance
Yes, there’s absolutely a chance that Syracuse beats Notre Dame and spoils their season. But with the balance the Irish have on offense and the talent on defense, they have a slight edge over the Orange at most positions on the field. Syracuse will have to play close to perfect, meaning the Irish are likely to pull away in the 2nd half. Bet on Notre Dame beating Syracuse and covering the 10.5-point spread.
