Love the Halfback at Notre Dame

Published on 29-Sep-2018 by Sportbet Staff

Football - NCAA    NCAA Football Daily Stake

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Love the Halfback at Notre Dame

Stanford is just one of those teams that doesn't really care where a game's played.

There are a few reasons for this, but foremost among them is their ground game. They recruit massive, skilled linemen, including tight ends who can block.

It also helps to have an elite running back like Bryce Love available, which has also been a Cardinal feature.

 

Having just completed a wild trip to Eugene -- one of the toughest places to play -- Stanford's off to South Bend for an intruiging clash with the Fighting Irish.

Bovada set the spread at Notre Dame -4½ with the over/under at 52.

Why bet on Stanford ...

The Cardinal has opened the season undefeated with wins over San Diego State, USC, UC Davis, and as mentioned, Oregon.

Stanford's won their last three games against Notre Dame. The biggest was last year’s late-season tilt that would've sent the Irish to one of the New Year’s Six Bowls.

 

Why bet on Notre Dame ...

The Irish opened 2018 with wins in a light early schedule, with the possible exception of Michigan. While the first three W’s came by single digits, last week coach Brian Kelly's crew topped the Demon Deacons, 56-27.

That 29-point win came at the expense of Irish QB Brandon Wimbush who was benched for new starter Ian Book. Dude rushed for three touchdowns and threw for two more in his first start of the season.

 

Instant analysis ...

The Irish have had four games to get themselves in tune for tough opponents like Stanford, but they haven't seen the likes of Love or, for that matter, the tall Cardinal receivers who go up for passes like they're rebounds.

The line play is, at worst, a push. Otherwise, Stanford has an advantage there, to. It wouldn't be a surprise at all to see them win this one straight up.

ATS pick: Stanford -4½

Bet at 5dimes

Result: Notre Dame 38 Stanford 14 ... Fighting Irish cover

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Sportbet Columnist: Noah Williams

Noah lives and works with a simple philosophy of “Eat, Drink, Football.” This is embodied through a dedication to satellite TV, Indian delivery, Folgers in his cup, and Budweiser. He lives in a secret lair with his beautiful concubine.