While most offenses might still be developing at this early stage, both Notre Dame and Nevada should come out clicking on all cylinders Saturday in South Bend.
I don’t bet many Overs in the first week of the season. Without a preseason it often takes a week or two for most college football offenses to work out their early kinks, particularly in the red zone. That being said, there are exceptions to every rule, and this is one matchup that should be a real shootout.
The last time we saw Notre Dame on the field they hung 49 on Hawaii, as quarterback Jimmy Clausen threw for more than 400 yards. Clausen is back for his junior year, as are four of the starters on the offensive line protecting him.
Nevada has plenty of experience returning in their secondary, but the talent is another question entirely. The Wolfpack ranked dead last in the country in pass defense last year, and gave up 69 points in their road opener at Missouri. Expect Notre Dame to make plenty of big plays downfield in this contest.
But Nevada has a strong offense as well led by junior quarterback Colin Kaepernick, the WAC Offensive Player of the Year in 2008. Kaepernick is a dual threat QB, guiding the offense to more than 500 yards per game and 37 points per game in 2008. With one of the better offensive lines in the WAC creating holes and junior running back Vai Taua to share the load, look for the Wolfpack to enjoy plenty of success on the ground against the rebuilt Notre Dame Front 7.
Free Pick: Nevada-Notre Dame Over 61 (-110)