3 Reasons to Bet on Notre Dame in the 2018 Playoffs

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish need only beat rival USC to make it to the College Football Playoff. The most storied program in college football history, the Irish have gone undefeated heading into their battle with the Trojans.

Notre Dame’s a huge favorite to take down USC. Unless the Trojans pull off the moneyline upset as a +11 dog, Notre Dame will win and make it to the playoff. Once we know for sure that the Irish are in the CFP, what makes them a good wager to upset likely participants Clemson and Alabama, and why are they good a bet to beat rival Michigan again?

3 Reasons to Bet on Notre Dame in the 2018 Playoffs

Feeling explosive.#GoIrish ☘️ #BeatSC pic.twitter.com/gYGCiDSyUb

— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) November 22, 2018

1. Notre Dame’s Defense is One of the Best

All potential College Football Playoff participants, the Irish, Wolverines, Crimson Tide, and Tigers, have great defenses. Of the four teams, though, Notre Dame’s defense might be the best.

The Irish only allow 17.3 points per from 321.4 yards per. Notre Dame shuts down opposing teams’ passing attacks by pressuring quarterbacks. Signal-callers throw for 184.3 total yards against the Notre Dame defense.

Notre Dame has sacked opposing quarterbacks 37 times. That’s 3 less than Clemson, tied with Alabama, and 6 more than Michigan. The Irish defense can control their CFP opponents’ offenses.

 2. Coach Kelly Has His Team Ready

Easily one of the top coaches in college football, Brian Kelly might not get the Irish to win every game, but he’s done something that few coaches can do: Kelly’s players are always prepared and ready for football.

A Brian Kelly coached team never steps onto the gridiron mentally or physically unready. Kelly’s not perfect and he will make a mistake from time to time, but all coaches make mistakes during a game. Kelly won’t make a mistake in either his strategy, or getting his players on the same page.

No matter what, Notre Dame will be ready if, or when, they make the College Football Playoff.

3. Quarterback Ian Book

The final reason to love Notre Dame to win the College Football Playoff is quarterback Ian Book. He didn’t even start until Sep. 15 against Vanderbilt. Since then, he’s been fantastic running Kelly’s offense, throwing 17 touchdown passes to only 5 interceptions, and completing over 72%.

Book can also have success on the ground. He’s rushed for 234 yards and 4 touchdowns. With Book under center, Notre Dame can beat most any defense. He uses excellent skills along with an innate ability of knowing what defenses are trying to accomplish. Book’s the real deal.