Notre Dame vs Pittsburgh NCAAF Week 9: Preview, & Pennsylvania Odds

The upcoming college football showdown between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Pittsburgh Panthers promises a thrilling matchup. With Pennsylvania betting odds, insights, and key players, we delve into the details of this highly anticipated game.

As the Notre Dame Fighting Irish prepare to face the Pittsburgh Panthers, the odds favor the Fighting Irish, with an impressive track record of 6-2. Meanwhile, the Panthers face an uphill battle as 20.5-point underdogs with a season record of 2-5. This Saturday, October 28, 2023, matchup is set to determine the victor.

The Notre Dame vs. Pittsburgh game is accompanied by various betting insights. With an over/under of 45 points via PA Caesars Sportsbook, the expected score indicates a possible Fighting Irish win with a score of 33 to the Panthers' 12. The betting odds are notably in favor of Notre Dame.

To understand the potential outcomes of this game, let's take a closer look at key players and statistics for both teams.

Notre Dame's Key Players:

• Sam Hartman (QB): Sam Hartman has been a standout performer for Notre Dame, amassing 1,838 passing yards with 18 touchdowns and an impressive 64.5% completion rate. Additionally, Hartman has contributed 14 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns.
• Audric Estime (RB): Audric Estime has been a dominant force in the running game, accumulating 787 rushing yards, 9 rushing touchdowns, and an impressive 98.4 yards per game. His yards-per-carry average stands at 6.2, highlighting his explosive running style.
• Chris Tyree (WR): Chris Tyree has been a reliable target for the Fighting Irish, with 16 receptions, 355 receiving yards, and 3 touchdown receptions.
• Mitchell Evans (TE): Mitchell Evans has contributed to the aerial attack with 24 receptions, 356 receiving yards, and 1 touchdown reception.
• Xavier Watts (S): Xavier Watts has been a force in the defensive lineup, amassing 35 tackles, 1.0 tackle for loss (TFL), 4 interceptions, and 5 pass deflections (PD).
• JD Bertrand (LB): JD Bertrand has been a tackling machine, registering 51 tackles, 4.0 TFL, and 1.5 sacks.
• Howard Cross III (DL): Howard Cross III has been a disruptive presence on the defensive line, recording 43 tackles, 3.0 TFL, and 1.0 sack.
• Marist Liufau (LB): Marist Liufau has made his presence felt with 33 tackles, 2.0 TFL, and 1.5 sacks.

Pittsburgh's Key Players:

• Phil Jurkovec (QB): Pitt's quarterback, Phil Jurkovec, has accumulated 818 passing yards, 6 touchdowns, and a completion rate of 50.9%. Additionally, he has contributed 59 rushing yards and 1 rushing touchdown.
• C'Bo Flemister (RB): C'Bo Flemister has been the primary ball carrier for the Panthers, gaining 282 rushing yards, scoring 2 rushing touchdowns, and averaging 40.3 yards per game. His yards-per-carry average is 4.1.
• Konata Mumpfield (WR): Konata Mumpfield has been a key receiver for Pitt, with 30 receptions, 347 receiving yards, and 3 touchdown receptions.
• Jerrod Means (WR): Jerrod Means has also been a reliable target, recording 20 receptions, 326 receiving yards, and 3 touchdown receptions.
• Shayne Simon (LB): Shayne Simon has excelled in the defensive lineup, contributing 25 tackles, 4.0 TFL, and 3.0 sacks.
• Solomon DeShields (LB): Solomon DeShields has been a disruptive force, recording 23 tackles, 6.0 TFL, and 2.0 sacks.
• Bam Brima (DL): Bam Brima has been a key presence on the defensive line, registering 12 tackles, 3.0 TFL, and 3.0 sacks.
• A.J. Woods (DB): A.J. Woods has made an impact in the secondary with 17 tackles, 3.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks, and 1 interception.

The Pitt vs. Notre Dame game preview provides insights into both teams' strengths and weaknesses. While Pitt's passing game shows signs of improvement, their overall performance could have been better, with just one FBS win this season.

On the other hand, Notre Dame's challenge is to capitalize on Pitt's vulnerabilities, including issues with turnovers and penalties. Notre Dame aims to maintain stability and take advantage of Pitt's inconsistent performance, focusing on keeping the pass rush under control and controlling the time of possession.

The game, scheduled for Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana, promises to be a crucial moment for both teams. While Pitt faces the daunting task of overcoming their underdog status, Notre Dame aims to secure another victory and maintain their impressive season record.

In conclusion, the Notre Dame vs. Pittsburgh college football game on October 28, 2023, presents a compelling matchup for PA sports bettors between two teams with different season trajectories. Notre Dame's solid performance and key players give them a clear advantage in this contest, while Pittsburgh seeks to defy the odds and secure an upset.

The stage is set for an exciting game at Notre Dame Stadium, and fans can anticipate a thrilling showdown that will determine the fate of both teams. With Notre Dame as the favorite, will they maintain their dominance, or can Pittsburgh pull off a remarkable victory? College football enthusiasts eagerly await the answer.