Notre Dame vs Pittsburgh Odds - Fighting Irish to impress one week after disappointing
The Notre Dame vs Pittsburgh odds is something that Fighting Irish head coach Charlie Weis may want to pay attention to. One week after losing to Navy at home as a favorite, the Fighting Irish will need to win in Pittsburgh outright if they want any hope of saving Weis’ job. Online betting fans know that this should be a much better matchup for the Irish than Navy was, so look for them to keep it close - and maybe even win outright.
Notre Dame vs Pittsburgh odds: Pittsburgh -7
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Notre Dame vs Pittsburgh odds maker breakdown: What’s On The Line
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish (6-3) have fallen way short of expectations this year. While some people were saying they could potentially be BCS-bound at the beginning of the year, this team may be lucky to be back in the Hawaii Bowl. Since they aren’t playing for a good bowl, they are playing for Weis’ job. He needs this win at the very least to save his job. For Pittsburgh, there is much more on the line. The Panthers (8-1, 5-0) are on a collision course with the Cincinnati Bearcats for the right to the Big East. They are currently ranked eighth in the country and sportsbook bettors know that they have a very good chance to be in a BCS bowl. Betting Edge: Pittsburgh
Notre Dame vs Pittsburgh odds maker breakdown: Offense
What’s happened to the Fighting Irish offense? With weapons like Jimmy Clausen, Golden Tate and the return of Michael Floyd, they still only managed 21 points at home against Navy. The Irish still don’t run the ball with any consistency, which clearly hurts them in the red zone. Against Pittsburgh, though, they should have some good matchups. The Panthers – and many of Dave Wannstedt’s teams – have had trouble with focus, and if they fall asleep for parts of this game, Notre Dame has the offense to win outright. As for Pittsburgh, what a surprise their offense has been. Last year, quarterback Bill Stull was brutal, so nobody expected such a turnaround - especially with running back LeSean McCoy. In his stead, Dion Lewis has emerged as what some people are already calling the best running back Pitt has ever seen. With Jonathan Baldwin as a lethal threat at receiver, the Panthers are a complete offense that should be able to score fairly frequently in this game. Betting Edge: Even
Notre Dame vs Pittsburgh odds maker breakdown: Defense
The Irish defense has been gashed early and often this season. It’s not that they’re the worst unit in the nation, but they just aren’t BCS-ready, which has really hurt the team. They gave up 38 points to Michigan, 33 to Michigan State, 30 to Washington, and even 14 points to lowly Washington State. This unit plays with determination but they lack talent. On the flip side, this is where Pitt should have an edge. There is no question that the Panthers have smash mouth defense, which is tough to move the ball against. In Big East play this year, the Panthers are allowing just 14.4 points per game. This unit has to be stellar at home for Pitt to keep their BCS hopes alive. Betting Edge: Pittsburgh
Notre Dame vs Pittsburgh odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
The Panthers are fairly healthy for this game but the Irish are a bit banged up. Quarterback Jimmy Clausen is dealing with turf toe, although it hasn’t affected him too much over the last few weeks. Also, tight end Kyle Rudolph left last week’s contest with a shoulder injury but the x-rays returned negative. Keep an eye out to see if he plays this week. Betting Edge: Pittsburgh
Notre Dame vs Pittsburgh betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
The Panthers have a few advantages in this game, but NCAA football betting fans know that the games are played on the field and not on paper. For the first time this year, the Panthers will get national attention for being in the BCS picture, and look for some of that to go to their heads. They’ve played well this year, but a Notre Dame squad with nothing to lose should cover this spread and maybe even win this game. BLAKE’S PICK: Notre Dame +7
For more sports betting picks and analysis, visit us in the BetOnline.com Betting Edge every day. For more on the Notre Dame vs Pittsburgh matchup, check out our stats center. Blake Frazier is one of BetOnline.com's college football experts.
