As the season wears on, teams usually develop identities. But that hasn’t been the case with Notre Dame, and it’s made college football betting more frustrating.
Just who are you, Irish? Are you really a Top-5 team? And why did you look so terrible against Louisville?
Notre Dame gets another chance to prove it’s worthy of being mentioned amongst the best teams in the country, and it’s going on the road for the first time this season to do it.
Here are our best college football free picks and predictions for No. 3 Notre Dame vs. Pittsburgh on October 24.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs Pittsburgh Panthers betting preview
Weather
The scenery might be different, but the Irish will feel like they’re still in South Bend on Saturday. We’re looking at a gloomy afternoon with a high of 58 degrees and wind out of the NNE at 7 mph. There’s also a 25 percent chance of precipitation.. Be sure to monitor the gametime conditions with our NCAA football weather info.
Key Injuries
Notre Dame: Brendon Clark QB (Questionable), Jahmar Smith RB (Questionable), Lawrence Keys III WR (Questionable), Braden Lenzy WR (Questionable), Paul Moala LB (Out)
Pittsburgh: Grant Carrigan OL (Out), Wendell Davis LB (Questionable), Habakkuk Baldonado DL (Questionable), Lucas Krull TE (Questionable), Kenny Pickett QB (Questionable), Keyshon Camp DL (Questionable), Israel Abanikanda RB (Questionable), Damarri Mathis DB (Questionable), Jaylen Twyman DL (Out)
Find our latest NCAA football injury reports.
Betting trend to know
The Panthers are 0-4-1 ATS in their last five games overall.. Find more NCAA football betting trends for Notre Dame vs. Pittsburgh.
Against the spread (ATS) pick
Early in the season, Pittsburgh was one of the better stories in college football, sitting in the Top 25 after a 3-0 start, but the wheels have fallen off since then. The Panthers have lost three consecutive outings, and they might start a backup quarterback against the Irish.
Kenny Pickett didn’t make the trip to Miami because of an injured ankle and if he’s not healthy enough by game time, Joey Yellen will once again take the reins. The Arizona State transfer went 22 of 46 for 277 yards and a touchdown in Pitt’s 31-19 loss to Miami.
The Irish didn’t look great after escaping with a 12-7 victory against the Cardinals, and they’ll look for a better offensive performance on Saturday. Ian Book has passed for 714 yards and three touchdowns this year, and he’s got a serious threat in Kyren Williams. The sophomore tailback has rushed for 486 yards this season and is averaging 6.7 yards per carry.
The Panthers are in an absolute tailspin right now, and they’re also 1-8 ATS in their last nine outings. I don’t think that trend changes regardless of who starts at quarterback.
PREDICTION: Notre Dame -10.5 (-110)
Over/Under pick
The Panthers and the Irish have two of the best defenses in the country, ranked seventh and 11th, respectively. The Under is also 5-2 in the last seven meetings and while I expect the Irish to have much more success on offense, Pitt is going to have a hard time moving the football.
PREDICTION: Under 49.5 (-110)
Team prop pick
Yellen is not a huge dropoff in talent if he starts instead of Pickett, but this Notre Dame defense is very sound and very fast, and now the Irish have tape on both quarterbacks.
Even being back in front of their home crowd won’t be enough for the Panthers to escape another loss and avoid trouble scoring points in the process.
PREDICTION: Pittsburgh Under team total 17.5 (-168)
Notre Dame vs Pittsburgh betting card
- Notre Dame -10.5 (-110)
- Under 49.5 (-110)
- Pittsburgh Under team total 17.5 (-168)
Did you know that if you parlayed today’s NCAA Notre Dame vs. Pittsburgh picks, you could win $48.14 on a $10 bet?
Use our NCAA parlay calculator to create your own parlays and see their potential payouts.
Where can I bet on college football?
You can bet on college football odds at every online and casino sportsbooks, including NCAA football point spreads, Over/Under totals, derivative bets and even prop plays as well. Head over to our best-suggested sportsbooks for the top spots to bet on college football odds in your area.
