Air Force Falcons at Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Saturday, 10/8/11, 3:30 PM EST, TV: NBC
Opening Point Spread: Notre Dame -17
Current Betting Line: Notre Dame -14
Opening Total: 54.5
Current Total: 56
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker
Air Force is coming off a thrilling 35-34 win over Navy as three-point road underdogs and will now look to make it two in a row against Notre Dame. The Falcons picked up a 41-24 win in the last meeting on Nov. 10, 2007 inside Notre Dame Stadium as four-point favorites. “It’s one game,” commented head coach Troy Calhoun. “A meaningful game, as all games are, but it’s one game.” The team ranks third nationally in rushing offense in averaging 364.5 yards per game while Notre Dame ranks 19th nationally in rush defense, surrendering just 91.2 yards a contest. Air Force is 6-4 ATS as an underdog the last two-plus years while the ‘under’ is 7-4 in that span.
The Falcons will be meeting the Fighting Irish for the 29th time, posting a 6-22 record in the series, including a 4-10 mark in South Bend. Air Force has tallied a 16-7 record against non-conference opponents under Calhoun, which includes a 4-4 record on the road. Running is the name of the game for this program, as it has scored a rushing touchdown in 25 consecutive games. Running back Asher Clark will need to come up big, as he’s gained 239 yards on 21 carries over the last two games.
Notre Dame is on a roll of its own in winning three straight games after dropping the first two contests of the year. The Fighting Irish are coming off a 38-10 win over the Purdue Boilermakers as 11-point road favorites. “It starts with me,” commented Irish head coach Brian Kelly. “I set the tone for the way our team goes to prepare each and every game. And I’m not happy where we are.” Wide receiver Michael Floyd showed up in a big way last week, catching 12 passes for 137 yards. He now owns six career receiving marks at the school. Sophomore quarterback Tommy Rees has also been solid, throwing a touchdown pass in 10 straight games. Notre Dame is 5-14 ATS as a favorite the last two-plus seasons.
The Fighting Irish defense has been up to the challenge all year, allowing 13 points or less in three consecutive games, something that hasn’t happened around campus since 1999. Leading the charge is linebacker Manti Te’o, who leads the team with four sacks. Notre Dame has allowed just one rushing touchdown this year, which is tied for first nationally. Turnovers have also been a huge story around this team, committing zero for the first time this year against Purdue.
Bettors will likely back the Fighting Irish due to their 4-1 ATS mark following a straight-up win, while the Falcons are 1-4 ATS as a road underdog of 10.5 or more points.
Don’t miss out on a winning season and let the college football handicappers at Maddux Sports line your pockets with cash. Long term packages are available now!
