Notre Dame Fighting Irish (4-0) vs Cincinnati Bearcats (3-0)
Game Info: Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 2:30 pm (Notre Dame Stadium)
Betting Odds: Notre Dame Fighting Irish +2 -- Over/Under: 50 Click Here for the Latest Odds
The Cincinnati Bearcats will head on the road this Saturday to face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in an FBS college football battle. This will be the first meeting between these programs since 1900.
The Bearcats are now 3-0 after a 38-24 victory on the road at Indiana. QB Desmond Ridder was 20/36 for 210 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. They averaged just 3.3 yards per carry on the ground, but managed three scores. Nine different receivers caught a pass in the game; Alec Pierce led the way with five for 86 yards and a score. On defense they allowed 376 yards of total offense but forced four turnovers including three interceptions. To start the season, Cincinnati ranks 49th with 255.3 passing yards per game and 65th with 165 yards on the ground. They are averaging 43 points per game while surrendering 15 to the opposition.
The Fighting Irish improved to 4-0 after a 41-13 win at home against a ranked Wisconsin team. Despite the score, it was a rough day for Notre Dame’s offense, as they racked up just 9 yards on the ground and 248 total yards of offense. Kevin Austin Jr. was their top performer, hauling in six targets for 76 yards and two touchdowns. The defense was the story here, forcing four turnovers and limiting the Badgers offense to 1-14 on third down conversions. Notre Dame ranks 30th in the nation with 286.3 passing yards per game, and 121st with 81.5 yards on the ground. They have averaged 35.3 points per game while allowing 23.3 to their opponents.
Cincinnati is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games, 10-0 on the money line, and the over is 6-4.
Notre Dame is 5-5 ATS in their last 10 games, 9-1 on the money line, and the over is 6-4.
Notre Dame will have to correct their offensive woes from a week ago if they plan to come out of this one with a win. However, they should have an easier time on the ground against a Cincinnati rush defense that ranks 66th overall with 138 yards allowed per game. Although Cincinnati has a much more potent offense than Wisconsin, the Fighting Irish proved they have a secondary capable of taking away the passing attack this season. Led by star safety Kyle Hamilton, look for Notre Dame to do enough to frustrate the Cincinnati offense and earn the win at home.