Virginia Cavaliers vs
Notre Dame Fighting IrishPredictions & Preview

Notre Dame Football Looks to Secure Spot in College Football Playoff as They Take on Virginia Cavaliers

Notre Dame has overcome an early-season setback to Northern Illinois and is now sitting at 8-1, with big wins over Navy and Florida State. The Irish are looking towards a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff as they prepare to host the Virginia Cavaliers. Virginia comes in at 5-4, with a recent upset victory over Pitt but struggles against stronger teams like Clemson and Louisville. The Cavs face a tough end to the season, with games against Notre Dame, No. 14 SMU, and VA Tech. Notre Dame is the betting favorite at -22.5 for their upcoming game against Virginia, with the line holding steady.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Cavaliers +1050 | Fighting Irish -2200
• Spread: Cavaliers +22.5 (-110) | Fighting Irish -22.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 50.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Notre Dame will win straight-up is 96%.

Virginia vs Notre Dame Stats

Virginia Cavaliers

Coach Tony Elliott's challenge to the Cavaliers during their bye week proved successful as Virginia ended their three-game losing streak with a 24-19 victory over No. 18 Pittsburgh. Running back Xavier Brown played a crucial role in the win, scoring both a rushing and a receiving touchdown. The offense, led by quarterback Anthony Colandrea, ran for 170 yards against a strong Pitt defense, controlling the pace of the game and keeping Pitt's offense on the sidelines. Defensively, Virginia put in a disciplined effort, limiting Pitt to 292 total yards and forcing key turnovers. The game took a controversial turn in the fourth quarter with a rare officiating decision that ultimately favored Virginia. This victory brings the Cavaliers within one game of bowl eligibility and sets them up for tough upcoming matchups. With a power ranking of 90, Virginia ranks 72 in offense, 79 in defense, and holds a 4-4 record for the season.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish Analysis

Notre Dame's final home game of the regular season brings back the beloved tradition of marshmallow tossing by the student body. The team has been on a winning streak, positioning themselves well for a spot in the College Football Playoff. Key players to watch include wide receiver Jaden Greathouse, who has become a reliable target for transfer quarterback Riley Leonard. Notre Dame is ranked 3rd in power rankings, with a strong offense and defense. Virginia has had recent success against Notre Dame, going 3-0 in their last 3 matchups.

Notre Dame -23 Spread Presents Opportunity for Bettors Against Emotionally Drained Virginia

The Notre Dame -23 spread presents an attractive option for bettors due to several factors, especially considering Virginia's recent emotional victory over Pitt and the possibility of a subsequent "letdown" effect this weekend. Following their hard-fought 24-19 win against the No. 18 Panthers, Virginia may struggle to maintain the same level of intensity on the road in South Bend, particularly with Notre Dame's final home game creating a charged atmosphere. In contrast, Notre Dame enters this game with both momentum and determination, boasting an impressive 8-1 record and a No. 8 ranking. Led by head coach Marcus Freeman, the Irish have demonstrated the ability to control games early and capitalize on opponents' mistakes, making them a formidable challenge for Virginia quarterback Anthony Colandrea. With Notre Dame's strong defense likely to exploit Colandrea's turnover-prone tendencies, bettors can anticipate the Irish creating scoring opportunities through forced turnovers and favorable field position.

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