Notre Dame vs Stanford Betting Odds - Irish drop another one, but manage to cover against Stanford
Notre Dame has been brutal on the online betting front this year, posting a 3-8 ATS record. But they’re perfect as an underdog, which they will be by double digits when they head to Stanford for their regular-season finale on Saturday night, and the Irish have specialized in the close game in 2009. Look for another nailbiter in this overlooked rivalry.
| Notre Dame vs Stanford betting odds: Stanford -10 |
| WHAT: NCAA football betting |
| WHEN: Saturday, November 28, 8:00 PM ET |
| WHERE: Stanford Stadium, Stanford, CA |
| KEY STAT: Notre Dame is 2-0 this year as an ATS underdog |
| PICK: Notre Dame +10 |
Notre Dame vs Stanford betting odds maker breakdown: What’s On The Line
The Fighting Irish (6-5) have dropped three in a row by a combined 10 points, and all five of their losses have come by a combined 21 points. This could very well be coach Charlie Weis’ last game in charge of the Fighting Irish, and they would love to send him out on a high note. The Cardinal (7-4, 6-3) had a three-game win streak snapped, and big wins over Oregon and USC sparked talk of the Rose Bowl. Stanford has lost seven straight to the Irish, and a win would probably send them to the Emerald Bowl.
Betting Edge: Stanford
Notre Dame vs Stanford betting odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Irish are ranked 11th in the nation in offense, led by quarterback Jimmy Clausen, and the junior has had a brilliant season under center. The most catching stat is his interceptions: after being picked off 17 times in 2008, Clausen has only four this year, and the duo of Clausen and receiver Golden Tate are one of the country’s best, and may be high NFL picks in the draft.
Stanford’s offense is dependent on back Toby Gerhart, who has rushed for 100 yards or more in nine of 11 games, including five straight. Quarterback Andrew Luck is solid enough to keep the opposition honest, and their line is second in the NCAA in sacks allowed. Stanford may try to utilize Gerhart on the ground to hold onto the ball, keeping Notre Dame’s high-powered offense on the sidelines.
Betting Edge: Draw
Notre Dame vs Stanford betting odds maker breakdown: Defense
Notre Dame is 80th against the run, and they just can’t seem to make the crucial stop when they need to. UConn chewed up the Irish for 231 yards on the ground in last week’s 33-30 overtime loss, and that’s not a good sign heading into a game against Gerhart and the hard-hitting Stanford offensive line.
However, Stanford has troubles defending the pass, coming in 97th in the nation, which means Clausen could be licking his chops to get out on the field. They were on the field for almost 40 minutes in last week’s 34-28 loss to Cal that knocked them out of the Rose Bowl picture, and they’ve got to find a way to get off the field on Saturday night.
Betting Edge: Draw
Notre Dame vs Stanford betting odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
The Fighting Irish’s sportsbook chances took a hit last week when running back Armando Allen (hand) was injured against the Huskies, and it was his job to keep defenses honest, even though Notre Dame is a passing team. Tight end Kyle Rudolph (shoulder) is questionable after sitting the last two games out.
The Cardinal are relatively healthy, as they are only worried about linebacker Nick Macaluso (leg), and he should be able to go.
Betting Edge: Stanford
Notre Dame vs Stanford betting odds breakdown: Outlook and Pick
If there was ever a time for Stanford to end their skid against the Irish, now at seven, it’s now. Their offense is built to control the clock through Gerhart, and I can’t see the Irish being able to stop them. On the flip side, Stanford’s secondary has been awful this year, and the Irish have one of the best aerial attacks in the country, which is what will keep this game close. Both teams specialize in close games, and this will be another one: four of the last five in this series have been decided by a touchdown or less. Stanford should pull out the win, but the Irish will take it down to the wire as they have all year.
TONY’S PICK: Notre Dame +10
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