As a reminder, this weekend’s contest against NC State is the annual Peacock game, which usually elicits a collective groan from the fanbase, but with yet another ACC crew headed to South Bend this weekend, perhaps it is a blessing in disguise…
*Flag flies from offscreen*
Notre Dame is a 23.5-point favorite over the Wolfpack, the Irish boasting a Top 5 offense by points-per-play (.639) and an ascending defense that went from outside the Top 100 to borderline Top 60 in the same metric (.340) since the Arkansas game.
NC State’s offense, by comparison, ranks No. 54 nationally in the same points per play category (.416), while the defense ranks No. 85 (.411).
The Wolfpack are Top 10 in competition percentage (72.84 percent), so applying pressure and forcing rushed/inaccurate throws will be crucial to disrupting the rhythm of that unit.
The NC State defense, meanwhile, has been susceptible to both the run (4.9 yards per carry allowed, No. 104) and the pass (7.2 yards per attempt, No. 67), opening all doors for the high-flying Fighting Irish offense to attack.
Key Predictions:
— Over 3.5 predictions for Will Pauling/Slot receivers
— Jeremiyah Love will lead the team in total yardage, but Jadarian Price will lead the team in scoring with two touchdowns
— Malachi Fields catches another touchdown
— Over 2.5 havoc plays (Sacks, TFLs, forced fumbles, interceptions, or pass breakups) from Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa
— CJ Carr will have a turnover, but the Irish will win the turnover battle
— Notre Dame will kick a field goal before half to cap a well-executed two-minute drill
Notre Dame 38 NC State 20