The Notre Dame Fighting Irish (7-2) and Navy Midshipmen (7-1) play Saturday at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Ind., at 2:30 p.m. ET.
We analyze the Navy-Notre Dame odds and betting lines while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.
Navy at Notre Dame: Three things you need to know
1. Notre Dame looked much better against Duke as the offense and defense finally gelled and played a solid game. The result was a 38-7 road rout that few honestly expected given how poorly the Irish looked against Virginia Tech the week before.
2. Navy, number one in the nation in rushing, comes in riding a five-game winning streak, which includes last week’s 56-10 romp over Connecticut.
3. Controlling the lines. This one can be staple gunned on here because of consistency issues with Notre Dame. That has and will be its one constant going forward. If Notre Dame can slow down the Navy’s rushing attack even a little, the Irish can easily win this game. If not, they are in trouble.
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Navy at Notre Dame: Odds, betting lines and picks
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 10:20 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Notre Dame 34, Navy 24
Moneyline (ML)
NOTRE DAME carries a -304 moneyline. The Fighting Irish are averaging only 177 yards per game on the ground, which is an unusually low total for them.
Navy (+240) must run and run often to keep Notre Dame off the field. Navy is tops in the nation averaging 348.3 yards per game. That will be vital if it expects to keep this one close. If Notre Dame can keep the Navy defense on the field, this figures to be an easier victory. Taking the moneyline is our pick but it is not that profitable.
Against the Spread (ATS)
Notre Dame is just 5-4 ATS and 3-2 ATS at home this year coming in just under a point above the cover projections. Navy is 2-1 ATS on the road and exceeds the cover by a whopping 15.7 points per contest.
The 8.5-point spread seems in line with what most are predicting. Irish QB Ian Book looked a little more composed against Duke than he had in the last several weeks. Notre Dame should be able to run better and get passes downfield against the Navy defense. Our pick is for NOTRE DAME to cover with the +105 number.
Over/Under (O/U)
The projected total is 53.5. This will be close but it is hard to trust Notre Dame’s defense in this tilt. Taking a small wager with the OVER (-110) is our pick.
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