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Notre Dame football score predictions: Central Michigan vs. Irish national picks

IMG_9992by:Tyler Horka•09/15/23•

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Notre Dame running back Audric Estimé. (Photo by Larry Blankenship)

There aren’t a whole lot of picks from national media members for Central Michigan (1-1) at Notre Dame (3-0). Reading between the lines, that means the game is so far off the national radar that folks like Scott Van Pelt of ESPN, Stewart Mandel of The Athletic and many others didn’t bother digging into the lopsided matchup.

The Fighting Irish are a 34.5-point favorite according to most sports books. They’re coming off a 45-24 win at NC State. The Chippewas, meanwhile, come to South Bend for the first time ever having just squeaked by FCS New Hampshire, 45-42. Central Michigan head coach Jim McElwain had a “happy to be here” type of vibe in a video press conference with a handful of reporters on Wednesday.

“It’s a game to look forward to at such a great place,” he said. “Great players. Unbelievable coaches. And yet, I think it is a great opportunity for our university, our community just to be associated with such a great place as Notre Dame. And the opportunity to go there and play is something I know our guys, our university will remember for a long time.”

Saturday’s 2:30 p.m. ET kickoff streaming exclusively on Peacock is trending toward being a blowout, serving for the home team as a final get-right opportunity before top-10 Ohio State heads to South Bend for the first time since 1996 and the third time ever on Sept. 23.

Here are a few outlets that did actually pick this weekend’s Notre Dame game.

Sporting News: Notre Dame 49, Central Michigan 14

“Notre Dame had a 32-29 close call with Toledo in 2021, so don’t expect the Irish to take a MAC opponent lightly one week ahead of the showdown against Ohio State. Bert Emmanuel Jr. is a dual-threat playmaker at quarterback for the Chippewas, but Notre Dame should be able to keep contain. Central Michigan also allowed 493 passing yards to New Hampshire in Week 2. Sam Hartman should have a day, and the Irish score 40-plus points for the fourth consecutive game.” — Bill Bender

Bleacher Report: Notre Dame 45, Central Michigan 10

“Week 3 brings one final tune-up contest for Notre Dame, which welcomes Ohio State to South Bend next Saturday. Central Michigan needed a last-second field goal to clip New Hampshire last week.” — David Kenyon

USA Today

Scooby Axson, Jace Evans, Paul Myerberg, Erick Smith, Eddie Timanus and Dan Wolken unanimously picked Notre Dame to win.

Athlon Sports

Steve Lassan, Joe Vitale and Luke Easterling unanimously picked Notre Dame.

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