Paul A. Esden Jr. (8-2)
Prediction: Notre Dame wins 48-45
A lot of Syracuse fans have given me a lot of crap this week for this contest. Here’s the skinny: my dad is a die hard Notre Dame fan and raised me on the Fighting Irish. In 2008 I moved to Syracuse and started covering the team professionally. My alliances have blurred lines.
I’m blessed to be able to go see this game with my dad at Yankee Stadium and take it all in on Saturday. This is a phenomenal matchup on paper, despite College Gameday having different thoughts.
Ian Book is expected to get the nod for the Irish and he’s a super efficient passer and this Notre Dame offense has exploded with him at the helm. While several college football insiders have told me this could be one of the most talented defenses in the country for the golden domers, that’s a ripe combination.
While for the Orange they have their own talented quarterback who presents a variety of issues for whatever defense he is playing in Eric Dungey. I also like the running game with Moe Neal exploding on the scene last week and here’s to hoping he can deliver again for the Orange.
I think this game may very well come down to who has the ball last. I have the Irish squeaking past the Orange in this one in what should amount to being an instant classic.