If an alien arrived from outer space and asked what college football is all about there is a Week One matchup that would easily define it. Tradition, history, and potential excellence on the gridiron from two strong academic institutions that strive to “do it the right way” are all there for Saturday’s Marquee Matchup of the Michigan Wolverines and Notre Dame Fighting Irish. This showdown of historic power brands will take place under the watchful eye of Touchdown Jesus himself at Notre Dame Stadium, one of the grandest venues of this or any sport. And to top off all of that both teams have the ability to make a deep run towards the post season this year.
This contest in Week 1 will go down Saturday, September 1, 2018, at 7 p.m. ET at Notre Dame Stadium. The game can be seen on NBC.
College Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
Michigan -1.5
Notre Dame +1.5
Over/Under 48
Odds Analysis
The line has had mild half point movements towards each team before settling where it is now. Notre Dame would be a much bigger dog at Michigan as the Wolverines are the higher ranked team. And fans remember how Notre Dame slumped at season’s end last year. The mystique of Notre Dame Stadium has kept the number quite low for the chalk.
Coaching Angle
Jim Harbaugh has been derided based in large part due to last year’s 8-5 record which came on the heels of back to back 10-3 seasons to start his reign. Also, part of the negativity was due to his omni presence on social media and the team’s overseas trips. Yet lost in the noise is that Michigan had serious looks at a playoff berth in each of his first two seasons. Now in his fourth year the roster is mostly recruited all by him and those classes were highly ranked. Furthermore, Harbaugh significantly toned down his shenanigans this past off season. The coach correctly senses its time for results instead of hot air.
Brian Kelly is a lightning rod in his own right, perhaps even more than Harbaugh. Kelly did engineer a remarkable turnaround last year in which the Fighting Irish went 10-3 after a disastrous 4-8 season in 2016. Notre Dame climbed to third in the national rankings last November before getting annihilated at Miami 41-8. Also keep in mind the Irish nearly defeated national finalist Georgia 20-19 in week two, which is a testament to their ability.
Key Trends
Michigan has not lost against the spread in their last three games as a road favorite. Three of their last four in that role have also gone under the total. Overall in road action Michigan has failed to get the money in just two of their last six games with three of their last five away tilts going under the total.
However, few teams are as dangerous of a home underdog as Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish are rarely in that role but quite valuable on such rare occasions. Notre Dame has come away with the cash in three of their last four as pups at Notre Dame Stadium. Four of their last five in that role have gone under the total. Additionally, Dame has covered five of their last eight as dogs of a field goal or less with five of their last six in that situation going under the total.
Head to Head
These teams last met in 2014 at Notre Dame Stadium where the Irish humiliated the Wolverines 31-0. The game triggered a series of events that ended up with Jim Harbaugh taking over as head coach of Michigan at the end of that year. Notre Dame has paid in three of their last four home games against Michigan. The last three of those meetings also went under the total.
Free ATS Pick
Michigan brings one of the nastiest and toughest defenses in the country to this showdown. They also feature a highly touted transfer quarterback in Shea Patterson, who many believe will finally solve the Maize and Blue’s quarterback dilemma that has plagued the Harbaugh era. However, their offensive line remains a perpetual worry. Notre Dame must prove last year’s fade was no fluke. In this matchup their success at home against Michigan and as a dog prevails.
College Football Odds: Notre Dame 21, Michigan 20
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
