Toledo vs. Notre Dame college football odds: September 11 Fighting Irish home opener only available via Peacock streaming in unprecedented move

While the Notre Dame football program might not carry the national cache it once did, it's still the most popular team in the country, whether it's because fans love or hate them. Thus, every Irish game is on national TV and of course the school has its own contract with NBC for all home games. However, Notre Dame's home opener this year Sept. 11 vs. Mid-American Conference school Toledo will not be on NBC but instead available to watch only via NBCUniversal's streaming Peacock service.

The Irish's spring game was also on Peacock only but was offered for free – a subscription will be required to see this one as NBCUniversal tries to draw customers there. Needless to say, streaming is the future of live televised sports, and Peacock will also carry the live stream of the remaining six Notre Dame home games while they also are televised on NBC.

Notre Dame's television rights with NBC expire in 2025. That network has shown Irish home games since 1991, and having its own network is a big reason Notre Dame wants to stay independent in football.

"We have always strived for innovation in the media space [and] our partnership with NBC and Peacock only solidifies that mission," Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick said. "Bringing Notre Dame football to Peacock is just the next step in the evolution of our relationship."

No odds yet clearly on the Toledo game – which will mark the NBC debut of future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees -- because it will depend on what both do in Week 1; the Irish will be on a bit of a short week as they are at Florida State on Sunday, Sept. 5 and are early 9.5-point favorites at Caesars Sportsbook. Presumably, Wisconsin transfer Jack Coan will be Notre Dame's starting quarterback. The Irish are given an Over/Under of 9.0 wins at Caesars Sportsbook.

Toledo hosts FCS school Norfolk State on Sept. 4 and no line there yet. The Rockets return a whopping 20 starters from last year's 4-2, have a win total of 8.5 and are +450 third-favorites to win the MAC. Starting QB Eli Peters retired from the sport due to injuries with Carter Bradley expected to be the team's starter under center – he's the son of former Jacksonville Jaguars head coach and current Raiders defensive coordinator Gus Bradley.  

Carter Bradley has four starts as a Rocket and has thrown for 1,405 yards, 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions over the course of the three seasons. Georgia Tech transfer Tucker Gleason could factor in as well.

This will be the first-ever meeting between Notre Dame and Toledo. Since 2010, the Irish are 5-0 SU vs. MAC schools and 3-1-1 against the spread.