The announcement of starting QB Haynes King being sidelined by injury moved this spread by a couple of points. But backup Zach Pyron has played some important snaps for the Yellow Jackets, who also have the physicality to compete with the Irish at the line of scrimmage.

Notre Dame might be wracked by injuries. At least the Fighting Irish have their regular QB, Riley Leonard. Not so for Tech, who likely will miss injuredHaynes King. Backup Zach Pyron is experienced but only has two starts, both in 2022. While the Irish offense is run-first, this team can pull off blowout wins -- by 59 points over Purdue and, last week, 42 over Stanford. (Keep in mind it wants to impress the CFP selection committee.) The game will be staged at spacious Mercedes-Benz Stadium, not at the nearby Tech campus, so the Yellow Jackets are ceding home-field advantage. Look for a crowd with split allegiances.