Purdue Boilermakers vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish Prediction, Pick and Preview, September 18 (9/18): NCAAF

Purdue Boilermakers vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish Prediction, Pick and Preview, September 18 (9/18): NCAAF

Credit: photo by David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

 

Odds

 

Time 12:00 p.m. EST
Boilermakers money line +220
Boilermakers spread +11.5 (-110)
Fighting Irish money line -275
Fighting Irish spread -11.5 (-110)
Over / under 48.5

 

Preview

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Purdue Boilermakers will collide for The Shillelagh Trophy this weekend. Both teams enter this inner-state rivalry on strong notes, but the Fighting Irish have had to avoid upsets in both contests.

 

Offensive matchup
Purdue

 

Jack Plummer has been commanding through the first two games in South Bend. After throwing for 313 passing yards and two scores in the opener against OSU, he went 16-20 for 245 yards and four touchdowns. He won't make anything for the Fighting Irish Saturday.

Purdue will feel the loss of Xander Horvath. The senior back led the Boilermakers with 442 rushing yards, and caught 30 passes in 2020. His injury will open the door for backs King Doerue and Dylan Dowling to handle the load. Doerue led last week with 74 rushing yards on 12 carries and a score, while Downing posted an identical 14-carry, 42-yard line.

The Boilermakers lost one of the best playmakers in the country in Rondale Moore, but junior receiver David Bell has stepped up in a big way. Through two games, Bell has 14 catches for 255 receiving yards and he scored three times last week. Tight end Payne Durham has been impressive so far as well, and he's second on the team in catches (11) and yards (120).

Notre Dame

Jack Coan's toughness was a full display last weekend, as the Wisconsin transfer completed a go-ahead touchdown drive. He's looked good in his first two games for Notre Dame, throwing for 605 yards, with six touchdowns to two interceptions.

 

Kyren Williams has picked up right where left off last season. He's gained over 100 all-purpose yards in both contests so far. His dual-threat ability is complimented by sophomore back Chris Tyree, who ran for a touchdown against Florida State, and caught a touchdown against Toledo last weekend. Sophomore Michael Mayer has been security blanket. He caught nine passes for 120 yards and a touchdown against Florida State, and he scored twice against Toledo last weekend. Kevin Austin Jr. is second on the team with eight catches and 154 receiving yards.

Defensive matchup

After holding Oregon State to less than 80 yards rushing, Purdue shut out UConn last weekend, forced a pair of turnovers.

The Fighting Irish have been pushed to brink defensively in the first two weeks, but they have forced two turnovers in each game.

Prediction

This game will bring out the best in both sides. Traveling into this hostile environment and escaping with a win would be very tough for the Boilermakers, but we do like spotting them 11 points against a vulnerable Notre Dame defense. Take Purdue's game spread, and eye the over of 48.5 with both teams flowing well offensively to start the season.

PICK: Purdue +11.5 (-110)

 

Find more sports picks from the top sports bettors and NCAAF experts all in one place using our iOS and Google Play apps, as well as our other articles at Kingpin.pro.  We are the home for NCAAF picks, sports picks and sports betting.

Winnings $21,649
last 30 days winnings $0
Yesterday winnings $0
Top Sport NCAAF
W-L-D 166 - 146 - 6
Winnings % 52%
Winnings $19,880
last 30 days winnings $0
Yesterday winnings $0
Top Sport NCAAB
W-L-D 42 - 20 - 0
Winnings % 68%