The 16th-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish (3-2) will look to win their fourth straight game and continue climbing up the rankings this weekend when they take on the NC State Wolfpack (4-2). It's a big game for the Irish, who will look to shut down the talented NC State offense while getting its own offense back on track. It also gives the Irish a chance to start another win streak against ACC opponents.
Location: Notre Dame Stadium (Notre Dame, Ind.)
Date: Saturday - October 11
Time: 3:30 PM ET
Network: Peacock
Line: Notre Dame -22.5, O/U: 58.5 (FanDuel)
Here are the Irish Breakdown staff predictions for this game:
BRYAN DRISKELL, OWNER
Prediction: Notre Dame 45, NC State 31
I would love to believe that last weekend's defensive performance against Boise State is the new normal, but I just need to see a bit more from that unit. Notre Dame held Arkansas down, but I still didn't love the lack of aggressiveness and the Razorbacks had some big miscues of their own. If the Irish can keep NC State in check, and my prediction of 31 points is way too much, I'll be much more willing to keep points down in future predictions.
Despite me still being a bit uneasy about the defense this is a game the Irish should still control. NC State's offense is very talented at quarterback, running back, wide receiver and tight end, and they have a solid, veteran offensive line. Even if Notre Dame's defense plays good football the Wolfpack are good enough to put in some work and score points. It's very hard to shut down quarterback CJ Bailey and a talented group of pass catchers (Terrell Anderson, Noah Rogers, Keenan Jackson, Justin Jolly), but if the defense can force a couple of turnovers and make some crucial stops they should be able to do enough to keep the points down for a victory.
I don't see how NC State can stop the Notre Dame offense. This is a defense that lacks discipline and it has struggled with teams like Virginia, Duke and Virginia Tech. Four of their six opponents have topped 400 yards, and five of their six opponents have averaged 5.5 yards per play or better against the Wolfpack. Notre Dame is averaging 41.5 offensive points, 498.5 yards and 7.7 yards per play in its last four games. This is a game where quarterback CJ Carr should thrive, and the Irish skill players should have a big day. The key will be the offensive line controlling action. If they do the Irish offense should have another dominant performance.
VINCE DEDARIO, FOOTBALL ANALYST
Prediction: Notre Dame 49, NC State 20
I see Notre Dame absolutely teeing off in this one. They’re going to dominate from the jump by controlling the line of scrimmage with their run game, mixing in some efficient throws, and keeping NC State’s defense off balance all day. Their defense will force a few turnovers, make NC State drive long, and keep the Wolfpack from ever really getting momentum. In my mind, Notre Dame hits on a handful of explosive plays and the score balloons quickly. CJ Carr and the offense will prove that last week's performance was an aberration.
On the flip side, NC State just won't be able to keep up. I don’t see them being able to match pace or sustain drives. They’ll manage a couple of touchdowns, maybe a field goal or two, but there will be too many stalled possessions, turnovers, and pressure from Notre Dame’s front. That’s what I am hoping for. Two straight games of vintage Irish defense. It is hard for me to see a game where Notre Dame’s not in full control.
TREVOR TROWBRIDGE, STAFF WRITER
Prediction: Notre Dame 41, NC State 27
This is the week Notre Dame's offense gets back on track. They scored a combined 105 offensive points against Purdue and Arkansas, but only 28 against Boise State at home. They moved the ball effectively but failed to finish some drives. Penalties got them into some trouble and they had two turnovers on downs.
The NC State defense has been struggling, and this will be the best offense they have faced this season. The Notre Dame defense the last two games has looked significantly better, and I'm curious to see how Chris Ash calls this game knowing how aggressive the NC State offense is with CJ Bailey and taking shots down the field. Like we've seen in some other games this season, I think this is relatively back and forth in the first half. The Irish defense typically stiffens in the second half and that's when, I believe, the offense will pull away. The 3rd quarter will be the difference maker in this game.
Notre Dame has outscored their opponents 42-10 this season in the third quarter. I think quarterback CJ Carr gets back on track and takes advantage of mismatches in the passing game with tight end Eli Raridon and both running backs. Defensively, I think they come up with a big turnover in the 3rd which breaks this game open.
ANDREW McDONOUGH, IB CONTRIBUTOR
Prediction: Notre Dame 45, NC State 17
The Fighting Irish continue rolling with another convincing victory, with a late touchdown against the backups making the score look a little more respectable. Wolfpack quarterback CJ Bailey put the Irish defense on notice with some words this week, and I'd be willing to bet that it is actually the Notre Dame defense that is ready to attack after back-to-back strong performances against Arkansas and Boise State. After a brutal first 3 weeks, the Irish held both Arkansas and Boise State 32 points below their season averages coming into the game.
On the other side of the ball, NC State ranks 13th in the ACC and 77th in the country in total defense, and are surrendering 30.8 PPG against ACC opponents. A big reason has been the lack of a pass rush, as the Wolfpack rank 14th in the ACC in sacks per game. Irish QB CJ Carr ranks 9th in the nation in passer rating and has been sacked just twice during Notre Dame's 3-game winning streak. It's no coincidence that with a clean pocket, Carr has taken the next step as a passer, completing 72.3% of his passes for 8 touchdowns and no turnovers during the winning streak. With an explosive backfield, playmaking wide receiving corps, and a clean pocket, the Irish offense will pour on the points against NC State.
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