Simulation Picks
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Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
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Expert Picks
This Notre Dame team is certainly improved, and it is playing at its best with Ian Book under center. I actually expect to see both signal callers in this one, particularly because the Irish will need to take David Shaw's defense off balance some. The problem is that it won't work. This is the game Bryce Love starts running wild, and K.J. Costello should have an open pocket much of the night to deliver when necessary. I cannot promise that Stanford will win because these are two extremely talented teams, but I like getting nearly five points for what I believe is the better squad.
Ian Book makes all the difference in the Notre Dame offense. Book threw for two touchdowns and ran for 3 more in is first start of 2018. Book's dual threat ability will create many problems for the Cardinal defense. Stanford traveling back-to-back weeks could be a little less than 100 percent after a gift overtime win on the road.
Stanford has beaten Notre Dame the past three years and the Cardinal are underdogs in this one. Stanford has won all four of its games and feature back Bryce Love hasn't even busted loose yet. This is his week to shine, and Stanford also has the better defense. The Irish home field is overvalued here. Take Stanford with the points.
A good week against the Wake Forest defense isn't enough to convince me Notre Dame has solved its offensive problems, and Stanford hasn't been able to run the ball all season. The way these teams match up makes me think points will be at a premium Saturday night, and that means there's value on the Under.
Ian Book was the surprise starter for the Fighting Irish last week in the win over Wake Forest -- which abruptly fired its defensive coordinator after giving up 56 points. The stout Stanford defense now has tape on book, and will shut him down. After coming back to beat Oregon overtime last week, the Cardinal know that, if running back Bryce Love is shut down, quarterback K.J. Costello and the talented group of receivers are capable of picking up the slack. I'll pick Stanford to win outright, but take those points if you want them.
What a difference QB Ian Book made for this Irish offense. He was outstanding, throwing for over 300 yards and 2 touchdowns against a very good Wake Forest defense. He did a fantastic job of protecting the ball as well. Stanford is coming off of an amazing victory against the Oregon Ducks, one that had them needing all three facets to win. Stanford is the much better team and will prove it in South Bend.