Notre Dame Aims to Make Pinstripes Their Latest Lucky Charm

Really, dudes?

The bloom's apparently gone off the shamrock when it's not enough to play a football game in an iconic baseball stadium

So Notre Dame decided to raise the stakes.

What they're gonna wear is almost enough to make the Gipper bet on the other team.

 

Here the Fighting Irish are, headlining Week 12 with a neutral site game against pesky Syracuse, and they're gonna show up looking like an OG tourist in Europe wearing a print shirt and plaid Bermudas.

Hopefully, the CFP Selection Committee won't take this into account.

Seems like Bovada might've. They've currently got the line at Syracuse +10 with a total of 65. The moneyline's Irish -360 and Orange +280.

Why bet on Syracuse ...

The Orange are on a four-game win streak and sitting at 8-2 straight-up overall.

Dudes scored at least 40 points in each game of their current hot patch. Moreover, Syracuse has scored 50+ points five times this season. They're 3-0 against the spread this year as an ATS betting underdog.

Moreover, the 'Cuse is bowl eligible for the first time since 2013.

 

Why you should bet on Notre Dame

As we all know, the Irish are undefeated at 10-0 and currently in the CFP picture. A loss in either of their final two games this season will kill their national championship bid.

The good news for Notre Dame is that QB Ian Book will be back under center. Dude's 6-0 SU and 4-1-1 ATS as the starter this season. Plus, the Irish defense is allowing 100 fewer yards on average than the Orange.

Notre Dame is 4-1 SU and 3-1-1 ATS over its last five games on neutral fields. That includes a win and cover over Syracuse two years ago in New Jersey.

 

Instant analysis ...

If Notre Dame wants to stay in the CFPconversation, they'll have to not only beat the 'Cuse but cover the betting spread and then some.

My ATS pick is Syracuse +10 over Notre Dame. Tough-as-nails Orange QB Eric Dungey has thrown for 14 TDs and rushed for another dozen. The Irish can defend mobile quarterbacks, but can they slow down a dual-threat QB of Dungey’s caliber?

 

I don’t think so.

Plus, the over is a smart bet. Notre Dame's hit it in six of its last seven games. Syracuse has done it in four of its previous five matchups, as well.

ATS pick: Syracuse +10
Total pick: over 65

Result: Notre Dame 36 Syracuse 3 ... Irish cover ... under covers

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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.