Do I believe in the letdown factor? Certainly.
Do I think Boston College is much improved under first year head coach Jeff Hafley and former Notre Dame quarterback Phil Jurkovec? No doubt.
And do I think the whole “Red Bandanna Game” thing helps the Eagles chances? I’ll just say the story behind those uniforms makes me want to run through a brick wall and I’m obviously not a Boston College rooter.
But when it comes to football I keep going back to what I thought about even in previewing the Clemson game. Notre Dame has a significant advantage on the offensive and defensive lines in this game and when you have guys perform like Owusu-Koramoah, Kyle Hamilton and Nick McCloud did last week, you’re in good hands.
I expect a slow start from Notre Dame on offense, at least in terms of scoring points. The Irish should be able to move the ball but I’d be surprised if you see Tommy Rees come out looking for chunk plays the same way he did against Clemson a week ago.
No doubt this Boston College team will be charged up to ruin a rivals perfect season, but Notre Dame survives a shaky start, weathers the storm and heads to their bye week at 8-0 after what will at times be a frustrating but ultimately successful afternoon.
Notre Dame 27, Boston College 17