Notre Dame impressed all with an undefeated season to earn a spot in the college football playoff. On this occasion they face long odds against a Clemson Tigers team that is considered second only to Alabama in championship ability. Gamblers give Notre Dame little chance to score a NCAA Football betting upset. Increasingly Notre Dame is seen as a good team. Contrarily Clemson is considered to be a super power. The outcome is seen as certain for the Tigers. Yet the line is big enough to question if the Irish can stay in the game.
Cotton Bowl
Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Clemson Tigers
Date and Time: Saturday, December 29, 2018, 4 p.m. ET
Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
NCAA Football Betting Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notre Dame | +14 (-120) | 55 (-110) |  |
| Clemson | -14 (EV) | 55 (-110) | |
| |||
Cotton Bowl TV Coverage: ESPN
Clemson Tigers
Clemson enters this NCAA Football betting playoff matchup as champions of the ACC. Last time out for the Tigers was a 42-10 payout over Pitt in the ACC championship game. As a result, Clemson is 13-0 straight up, 7-6 vs. the odds, and 6-7 under the total. On the whole the Tigers are one of the most complete and dominate teams in college football. As an example, Clemson ranks fifth in the nation for scoring offense and second for points allowed.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame was a fairly reliable online wagering value this season. To be exact the Fighting Irish finished 12-0 straight up, 7-4-1 vs. the spread, and 6-6 on totals. Last game for the Irish was a 24-17 win at USC as 13.5-point overlays. While solid on both sides of the line Notre Dame is nowhere near Clemson’s dominance. To illuminate Notre Dame ranked 27th in the nation for total offense and ninth for points allowed.
Stats to Consider
Accordingly, Clemson plays a true freshman at quarterback with Trevor Lawrence. Starting with a 24/4 touchdown to interception ratio does Lawrence impress. He threw for 2606 yards on the season. In like manner head coach Dabo Swinney surprised all with benching former starter Kelly Bryant. But Lawrence delivered. In like manner Notre Dame changed starting quarterbacks early in the season. Ian Book rallied the Irish with a 162.5 rating and 19 touchdown passes with 2468 yards passing. Owing to running back Travis Etienne does Clemson have a potential advantage. Etienne ran for 1463 yards and 21 TD’s.
Team vs. Team
Notre Dame has been in the red as a dog getting points away from home. To illustrate the Irish have covered just two of their last six in that situation. Just two of their last seven as road dogs have gone under the total. On the other hand, Clemson has been a consistent winner as a road chalk. The Tigers have covered five of their last six laying points away from home. Four of their last five in that situation have gone over the total.
Matchup to Watch
Notre Dame is very good but Clemson is great. In particular their offense is far more dynamic. Yet the NCAA Football Betting matchup advantage rests with the Tigers defense. In this situation Notre Dame should get worn down as the game progresses.
Cotton Bowl NCAA Football Betting
To conclude Clemson is the pick to cover the big number.
Cotton Bowl NCAA Football Betting Pick: Clemson Tigers
Cotton Bowl NCAA Football Betting Score Prediction: Clemson 38, Notre Dame 21
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