National score predictions: BYU vs. Notre Dame football picks
The BlueandGold.com staff made its picks for today’s game between Notre Dame (2-2) and No. 16 BYU (4-1) at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas (7:30 p.m. ET, NBC). Four staffers picked the Fighting Irish. Only one picked the Cougars.
Naturally, the national perception of the game seemed to be a whole lot more balanced.
We found 11 predictions from national pundits. Six people picked BYU. Six people picked Dame. All 12 predictions with explanations for most are below.
CBS Sports
Dennis Dodd: BYU
Tom Fornelli: Notre Dame
Chip Patterson: Notre Dame
Barrett Sallee: BYU
Shehan Jeyarajah: BYU
David Cobb: Notre Dame
Jerry Palm: BYU
Jeyarajah: “Notre Dame still hasn’t found its rhythm after four games. Scoring 45 points against North Carolina was a nice step, but it’s hard to take too much from moving the ball against one of the nation’s worst defenses. BYU, conversely, has showed both boom and bust potential. Expect this matchup to be more of a boom — the game has unquestionably been circled on Jaren Hall’s calendar for months.“
The Athletic
Stewart Mandel: BYU 24, Notre Dame 20
“It’s good these two finally met in what wound up being BYU’s last season as an independent. It’s unfortunate the Irish aren’t ranked themselves. QB Drew Pyne inspired more confidence in his last outing against North Carolina, but for perspective, the Tar Heels defense is ranked 120th nationally. BYU (No. 38) is much stingier.”
Bruce Feldman: Notre Dame 27, BYU 23
“The Cougars’ run defense has gotten roughed up the past few weeks, and the Irish ground game finally got cranked up its last time out against North Carolina. Playing the hunch that the Irish sustain the momentum.”
Athlon Sports
Juan Jose Rodriguez: Notre Dame 37, BYU 34
“While BYU has more than thrived in limiting turnovers and in slowing down opposing offenses through the air, one struggle for the Cougars has been in keeping officials’ flags off the field. BYU has been penalized more than eight times per game for 71.8 yards per game, both among the 15 highest per-game marks in the FBS. If that high rate of penalties per game ultimately continues, Notre Dame has a very good chance of keeping intact its undefeated 10-0 record in Shamrock Series games.“
College Football News
Pete Fiutak: BYU 27, Notre Dame 23
“This is where the lines have to kick in.
The BYU ground game has been fine. It hasn’t been anything amazing since rolling on USF like everyone does, but it’s been … fine. The passing game has been strong, the offense is working, but this is when this program tends to step up and shine with steady play up front.
Don’t get into a twist over the 41-20 loss at Oregon – that might be the best team in the Pac-12 – and don’t be too concerned about the lackluster performances against Wyoming and Utah State.
The defense line won’t get gouged, and the offensive line should hold up and get just enough out of the running game to matter.
The Cougars don’t turn the ball over, the secondary has been terrific, and Notre Dame’s offense – while improved – is still nothing to worry about.
The Irish aren’t running on BYU like they did against North Carolina.
Back to the turnover thing, Notre Dame has generated one more turnover this season than you have.”
The Sporting News
Nick Musial: Notre Dame 27, BYU 21
“It’s not too surprising to see Notre Dame listed as north of a field goal favorite despite BYU being ranked 16th in the AP Top 25. Both teams have underperformed relative to the betting markets to begin the season, and despite a 4-1 record, BYU is just 2-3 ATS. Notre Dame’s ability to have its way at the line of scrimmage should lead to the Fighting Irish leaving Las Vegas with a much-needed win.“
