BYU vs Notre Dame Picks & Odds: Fighting Irish, Cougars Collide In Las Vegas

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish (2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS) have rebounded from an 0-2 start to even their record at .500 going into Saturday’s neutral-field clash with the Brigham Young Cougars (4-1, 2-3). Notre Dame has won the last three meetings but the teams haven’t faced each other since 2013.

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Cougars vs Fighting Irish Sportsbook Odds 

Notre Dame opened as a 2.5-point favorite but had quickly been bet up to 3-point chalk by the time of writing Sunday night. BYU is 11-5 ATS in its last 16 games as an underdog of 3 points or more, winning eight of those contests straight up.

Get the best Cougars vs Fighting Irish odds and lines available from our recommended sportsbooks for your favorite picks of the night.

BYU Struggling To Run The Ball And Stop The Run, But QB Bailing Cougars Out

The Cougars enter October ranked 16th in the nation, but they haven’t looked much like a Top 25 team lately. BYU struggled to get past Utah State in its most recent outing as a four-touchdown favorite, allowing the Aggies to run for more than 200 yards. The Cougars are 0-3 ATS in their last three games, allowing 24 points or more in each of those contests.

Fortunately, quarterback Jaren Hall is good enough to make up for BYU’s weaknesses. The NFL prospect has thrown for at least 250 yards in each of his last nine games, racking up 12 touchdowns against just one interception. Hall’s play has helped the Cougars average nearly 35 points per game despite ranking in the bottom half of the country in rushing yards.

Irish Offense Looks To Build On Breakout Performance Last Time Out

After averaging less than 20 points per game in their first three outings, the Fighting Irish broke out for 45 points in their most recent contest vs North Carolina. Sophomore running back Audric Estime did most of the damage for the Irish, running for a career-high 134 yards and two touchdowns on just 17 carries, while backup quarterback Drew Pyne added 288 yards and three touchdowns through the air.

Notre Dame will be without defensive captain JD Bertrand for the Sportsbook half of Saturday’s game vs BYU after the linebacker was ejected for targeting against UNC. The Irish’s defense has yet to play up to its usual standards this year, ranking in the middle of the pack in yards and points allowed after giving up 32 last time out vs the Tar Heels.

Cougars: Keys To Win

BYU always has a chance with Hall under center, and their star quarterback should be able to put up solid numbers once again against a Notre Dame defense that has looked average so far. The Cougars’ recent struggles came against weaker opposition in Wyoming and Utah State, but a meeting with Notre Dame will get their full attention.

Fighting Irish: Keys To Win

The Irish don’t typically enjoy an advantage over opponents in the running game, but their ground attack generated nearly 300 yards last time out and could enjoy success against a soft BYU front. Notre Dame also tends to bring its best when facing tougher competition, going 9-1 SU and 8-2 ATS in its last 10 against teams with winning records.

College Football Computer Pick: BYU +4

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