On the whole a 4-8 season in 2016 may have been the best thing that could have happened to Notre Dame. Head coach Brian Kelly became distant in that debacle. Failure forced him to refocus and reconnect with his team. Since that low point Notre Dame has roared back to college football betting prominence. In 2017 the Fighting Irish finished 10-3 and won the Citrus Bowl. Last year was a 12-1 campaign that ended with a College Football Playoff berth. For the first time since the Lou Holtz era ND has posted consecutive double digit win seasons.
2019 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Futures Betting Analysis
| Date and Time: | Season Opens September 2, 2019 |
|---|---|
| Betting on Football Betting Odds at SBG: | Notre Dame +3050 to win the National Championship |
2018 Notre Dame Review
Extending the college football betting excitement this year is Notre Dame’s defense. First year coordinator Clark Lea’s unit was 13th in the nation for points allowed. Offensively the Irish were a respectable 32nd in the country. Notre Dame lost only five of 13 games against the spread in 2018. Among the best wins were at USC (24-17), at Northwestern (31-21), and Michigan (24-17). However, a 30-3 loss to Clemson in the College Football Playoff served as a reality check. Most important of all the Offense scored 37.2 points per tilt in the final nine regular season matchups.
Ian Hits the Books
Senior quarterback Ian Book began the 2018 season as backup to Brandon Wimbush. But after the offense faltered Book took over in the fourth game of the season. From the start Book proved to be an offshore betting asset. Book finished with an eye-popping 154.0 passer rating. Further, he threw for 2628 yards and 8.4 yards per attempt. Book ended with a 19/7 touchdown to interception ratio. His emergence is a major reason for Notre Dame’s 2019 optimism.
Backs and Linemen
Jafar Armstrong is the likely replacement for departed back Dexter Williams. Last year Armstrong ran for 383 yards and 5.3 yards per carry with seven touchdowns. Additionally, he caught 14 passes good for 11.4 yards per catch. Tony Jones Jr. returns after rushing for 392 yards and 4.7 yards per carry. Veteran linemen Robert Hainsey, Liam Eichenberg, Tommy Kraemer and Aaron Banks should consistently open holes.
Receiver Corps
Chase Claypool is expected to replace Miles Boykin as number one receiver. Now Claypool caught 50 passes for 639 yards and 12.8 yards per catch in 2018. Claypool had four TD catches. Extending the optimism are tight ends Cole Kmet and Brock Wright. In particular Kmet could emerge as a national level. He caught 15 passes for 10.8 yards per catch in 2018.
Defensive Keys
On the whole Julian Okwara, Khalid Kareem and Daelin Hayes will pressure quarterbacks. Safeties Jalen Elliott and Alohi Gilman figure to be among the nation’s best tandems. Without question defense has become a college football betting strength for Notre Dame.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Betting Trends
4-8 ATS as a home favorite
4-5 ATS in road games
1-6-1 under the total in road games
2-5 ATS in post season
2019 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Outlook and Summary
The Irish have improved their depth and defense. Book at quarterback makes them complete. Encompassing post season chances is a manageable schedule.
2019 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Season Prediction: Notre Dame to win 10 games
Catch highlights of Notre Dame’s 2018 season!