Notre Dame 2016 College Football Betting Analysis

If you’re up for some 2016 college football predictions, then you’re going to enjoy this look at the Notre Dame Fighting Irish as they get set for the upcoming 2016 regular season. With a pair of quarterbacks that could start for just about any program in the country, the Irish could be primed to reach the four-team CFB Playoff in 2016 after falling just short a year ago. Now, let’s find out what lies ahead for Brian Kelly’s gridiron program this coming season.

Closer Look Notre Dame 2016 College Football Betting Analysis

Offense

The Irish (10-3 SU, 8-5 ATS) finished the 2015 season ranked inside the top 35 in almost every significant offensive category including total yards (466.7 ypg, 26th) and scoring (34.2 ppg, 34th). The bad news is that Notre Dame lost six starters on offense including a trio that will be playing a the next level in star running back C.J. Prosisse, tackle Ronnie Stanley and wide receiver Will Fuller. The good news is that Brian Kelly has two gifted quarterbacks in DeShone Kizer and Malik Zaire that he can turn to at a moment’s notice, no mater which one is deemed the starter. Kelly needs to find two new starters on the offensive line, but the Irish are stacked at the wide receiver position and shouldn’t have much trouble replacing Fuller.

Defense

Notre Dame finished the 2015 campaign ranked 45th in total defense, 372.6 ypg) and a respectable 40th in points allowed (24.0 pg). Unfortunately, they also lost an absolute stud linebacker in Jaylon Smith and another very good linebacker in Joe Schmidt. The Irish also need to find replacements for tackle Sheldon Day, end Romeo Okwara, cornerback KeiVarae Russell and strong safety Elijah Shumate. The good news is that Notre Dame has a wealth of talent on the defensive side of the ball and on the defensive line in particular. Unfortunately, the Fighting Irish could struggle with a defensive backfield that lost three starters, including both safeties from last year’s squad.

By The Numbers

Notre Dame went 2-4 ATS over its last six games in 2015. The Over is 14-7 in Notre Dame’s last 21 games. The Over is 8-4 in Notre Dame’s last 12 road dates.

2016 Prediction

I really like Notre Dame’s offensive firepower heading into the 2016 season, but I’m concerned about their lack of experience on defense and I believe it will keep the Fighting Irish from getting where they want to go – the four-team playoff. While I love the job that Brian Kelly has done during his seven-year tenure at one of the most visible gridiron programs in the nation, I think Notre Dame’s defense won’t be quite good enough to stop some of the nation’s best offenses. The Fighting Irish are offering a ton of value as a +2000 pick against their national championship futures odds, but I say they fall just short of reaching the four-team playoff.