Notre Dame vs Michigan Odds - Clausen airs it out in Notre Dame victory

NCAA football betting players will prepare for a matchup steeped in history this weekend, as Notre Dame and Michigan battle it out. These schools have 11 national championships apiece, but recently, they’ve fallen off the national map. In what should be an exciting game, the Irish will be led by their quarterback, who came to Notre Dame under much hype.

Notre Dame vs Michigan odds: Notre Dame -3

• WHAT: NCAA football betting
  
• WHEN: Saturday, September 12, 3:30 PM ET
  
• WHERE: Michigan Stadium (“The Big House”), Ann Arbor, MI
  
• KEY STAT: Notre Dame has lost four of its last five games at “The Big House”
  
• PICK: Notre Dame

Notre Dame vs Michigan odds maker breakdown: What’s On The Line
Two of the most storied programs in NCAA football history are trying to claw their way back to respectability, and the Irish are even ranked coming into this game. Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis and Michigan counterpart Rich Rodriguez are on the hot seat in 2009, and a win over a longtime rival would give them a boost. Still, Rodriguez has a bigger leash since he’s only in the second year of his contract. Weis needs to win now.

Betting Edge: Notre Dame

Notre Dame vs Michigan odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Irish put up 510 yards in a 35-0 shutout of Nevada, and Jimmy Clausen was the catalyst, going 15-of-18 for 315 yards and four scores, three to Michael Floyd. Tate Forcier made his college debut a winning one in a 31-7 beating of Western Michigan, going 13-of-20 for 179 yards and three touchdowns. The Wolverines also ran for 242 yards on the ground, and they may need to stick with that. Having a freshman like Forcier under center usually hurts a team’s online betting chances.

Betting Edge: Notre Dame

Notre Dame vs Michigan odds maker breakdown: Defense
Both teams forced three turnovers in their opening-week victories, but these also had their problems. The Irish gave up 153 yards on the ground, while the Wolverines allowed 263 yards through the air. This game will offer a better glimpse into how these defenses will perform for the rest of the year.

Betting Edge: Draw

Notre Dame vs Michigan odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
These two came away unscathed from Week 1, meaning that they’ll be at full strength, which means no excuses.

Betting Edge: Draw

Notre Dame vs Michigan betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
The Irish have lost four of their last five at “The Big House,” but they’re still the offshore sportsbook favorites on Saturday against a Michigan team that is still looking for their identity under Rich Rodriguez. Notre Dame has more experience, particularly at quarterback, and the Wolverines are planning to rotate three pivots throughout the day, which isn’t good for their rhythm. If the Wolverines gave up 263 yards to Western Michigan, Clausen should be in line for a big day at “The Big House.”

TONY’S PICK: Notre Dame -3

For more sports betting picks and tips throughout the season, visit us in the Betting Edge at betonline.com. For additional information on the Notre Dame vs Michigan matchup, check out our stats section.

Tony Bryant was a three-sport star in high school, but his specialty was the gridiron, where he was a standout cornerback and kick returner. After numerous knee injuries in his freshman year, Bryant hung up the pads and turned to the handicapping game, where he was a five-star recruit for many sportsbooks. You’ll find Bryant in front of multiple TVs every Saturday, until “Rivalry Week” when he makes his annual pilgrimage to the Florida-Florida State game.