UNLV vs. Notre Dame Prediction, Odds, Spread and Over/Under for College Football Week 8
By Reed Wallach
Notre Dame's season has been a doozy, highlighted by wins over ACC contender North Carolina but also including losses as massive favorites to the likes of Marshall and more recently Stanford last week at home.
Now the Fighting Irish host UNLV in South Bend as they look to get back on track after losing as 17-point favorites against the Cardinal last week. No team has been more disappointing as a big favorite than Marcus Freeman's bunch:
There have been ten instances this season of a team favored by greater than 16 points losing at home. Notre Dame is the only team to have it happen twice.
— Chris Fallica (@chrisfallica) October 17, 2022
UNLV didn't have starting quarterback Doug Brumfield under center last week, and it showed on the scoreboard as the Runnin' Rebels were blasted by Air Force, 42-7. What's the latest on Brumfield? Keep reading to find out:
UNLV vs. Notre Dame Odds, Spread and Total
UNLV vs. Notre Dame Betting Trends
- Notre Dame is 1-3 against the spread (ATS) as a favorite
- UNLV is 1-2 ATS as an underdog this season
- Notre Dame has gone UNDER in five of six games
- UNLV hasn't gone OVER a total as an underdog
UNLV vs. Notre Dame Prediction and Pick
There's still questions around Brumfield's availability, he's still in concussion protocol as of Monday:
Notes from UNLV football weekly press conference:
— Mike Grimala (@MikeGrimala) October 17, 2022
🔬 Doug Brumfield still in concussion protocol, meeting with doctors today
🧤 Kyle Williams back on depth chart
🚑 Adam Plant, Aidan Robbins day to day
🍀 Marcus Arroyo touts “half-Irish” heritage ahead of trip to Notre Dame
It was clear his impact was felt on the field for UNLV on Saturday in the 42-7 loss, but a few unfortunate circumstances went against them as well. The Rebs fumbled the ball inside the Air Force red zone on their first drive, then fumbled the following kickoff after the Falcons scored a touchdown. Before you know it was 14-0 and the game was out of reach.
I think this number is an overreaction to the score line of last week's game, especially when factoring in that Notre Dame is 112th in plays per minute and bottom half of the country in explosive pass and rush rate. To cash a number north of three touchdowns, you are going to need excess possessions and explosive capabilities.
If Brumfield goes, that will help the Rebs get their offensive identity back, but even if it is Cameron Friel again, UNLV can lean on the ground game that is top five nationally in EPA/Rush. They will be facing a ND defense that is outside the top 100 in defending the ground game this season.
Freeman's team has proven they can't cover big spreads, so why should we expect anything different.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.