Notre Dame can beat USC, but can Gators cover? October 16, 2009
Posted by Vince Mullins in Football, sports betting.Tags: college football, florida gators, notre dame
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guest post by Mickey the Piker
Can Jimmy Clausen pull out another close one versus the Trojans? (CNN)
The big story this weekend will be NOTRE DAME. That’s right friends…. After this weekend, Lou Holtz will look like a genius for his Notre Dame “in the championship game” pick!
Whether you love the Irish or loathe them, I think they are going to pull the SHOCKER this week and not only COVER the 11.5-point spread (that’s where I got in….) but WIN THE GAME.
I know, I know…. It’s hard to believe that the Vegas books would be THIS WRONG on any game and EVERY LOGICAL REASON seems to point to SoCal – big game experience, crushed the Irish last year, Charlie Weis has never beaten Pete Carrol, SoCal’s defense, et al.
However, IMO, the Irish have two significant advantages in this game - Jimmy Clausen and Touchdown Jesus. Barring a re-aggravated injury, I believe that Clausen will be the difference-maker and, as importantly, I think home-field advantage tilts this game to the Irish.
I won’t be surprised when Notre Dame struggles initially with SoCal’s defense. However, I think Charlie has learned a couple of things over the past few seasons which will help the Irish STAY PATIENT. I think the Irish D feeds off the home crowd and plays with a lot of energy and determination. I think the Irish NEED THIS GAME MORE than the Trojans; and I think that ultimately shows up in the scoreboard. I think the score mirrors the Washington game – it just depends on which Washington game we’re talking about since the Huskies played both ND and SC!
In a defensive struggle (a la SoCal v. Washington), I like the Irish 17-13. In more of a shoot-out (a la Washington v. Notre Dame), I like the Irish 27-24. In any case, Notre Dame COVERS and WINS.
