What the experts are predicting: Notre Dame at Louisville
Notre Dame will be facing another quality program in Louisville. An argument could be made that the Irish are the first real team the Cardinals have played so far this season. Whether or not that’s true, the Irish still should give the Cardinals everything they have. That should mean good things, at least in theory.
Here are the predictions from a few college football experts:
Ralph D. Russo, Associated Press
“Third straight week with a ranked opponent for the Fighting Irish, and second straight on the road against an upstart Atlantic Coast Conference team. Notre Dame has won 30 consecutive regular-season games against ACC competition.
In Year 1 under hometown hero Jeff Brohm, the Cardinals are 5-0 for the first time since 2013.”
David Kenyon, Bleacher Report
“Louisville quarterback Jack Plummer has notched 10.7 yards per attempt in five wins, so the explosiveness of the Cardinals’ offense must be respected. However, he’s also tossed six interceptions – with at least one in four games. That’s a problematic trend opposite Notre Dame, which has only two giveaways all season.”
Pete Fiutek, College Football News
“Another week, another moment when Notre Dame proves that it’s taking the right steps forward to not just get to the College Football Playoff, but potentially be a player.
Louisville doesn’t generate enough of a pass rush to bother (Sam) Hartman, and that’s going to be the issue. He’s not screwing up, playing like the six-year veteran he is – his second and third reads will keep the chains moving.
He’ll get time behind the line, the Irish secondary will bend but not break too often, and then … let the USC hype begin.”
Jackson Caudell, All Yellow Jackets
“Notre Dame is coming off of two tough and physical games against Ohio State and Duke and will now need to go on the road to Louisville to play the undefeated Cardinals. Louisville did not play well against NC State on Friday night, but this offense has explosive potential with wide receiver Jamari Thrash and quarterback Jack Plummer. This Notre Dame offense has not been able to score much these past couple of games and I am curious to see if they can get their passing attack going again. I don’t have a lot of faith in Louisville after that performance last week and Notre Dame is the better team, even on the road. Fighting Irish win.”
