Clemson Football: Tigers take on Fighting Irish – Final odds, best bets and prediction

The No. 5 Clemson Tigers (8-0) will look to keep their unbeaten streak alive heading into South Bend, IN to play the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (5-3) on Saturday night. Clemson football remains the favorite to win the ACC Atlantic division. They will once again be tested against a developing Fighting Irish team lead by first-year coach Marcus Freeman.

Spread Clemson -3.5 and Notre Dame +3.5

The Tigers opened last week as a -8.5 point favorite on the road over the Fighting Irish. That line has moved to -3.5 in favor of Clemson.

With the Clemson offense struggling to find consistent play from the quarterback position, this is going to be a tough test for the Tigers on the road in South Bend.

Notre Dame is far from a complete team. However, the Fighting Irish’ defensive unit has been a big part of their success this season. In their three losses this season, Notre Dame lost by eleven points to Ohio State, by five points to Marshall, and by two points to Stanford.

Clemson is coming into this week with a 4-4 record against the spread to Notre Dame’s 3-4 record in the same category – one of these teams has to win though.

Personally, I am looking at other plays this week. If my hand was forced, I would take Clemson at -3.5. Predicting a final score of 30-23 with Clemson coming out on top. If your heart is set on betting the Clemson Tigers, a less risky play would just bet the Tigers’ money line at -180.

Best Bet: Over/Under 44

There was a lot of discussion about Clemson’s quarterback situation during the bye week – but its really just a matter of who can hand off the ball the best to budding star running back, Will Shipley. He led the Tigers in rushing against Syracuse two weeks ago with 172 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 27 carries.

Clemson football will test the Notre Dame rush defense Saturday night in South Bend, Indiana

Notre Dame does sport a heck of a run defense, only allowing 3.87 yards per rushing attempt and 129.6 rushing yards per game this season. The Fighting Irish are likely going to try and force D.J. Uiagalelei to have to win the game on what is forecasted to be a cold, wet and windy day in South Bend.

That said, both teams should be able to find enough of a grove to get passed the 44-point mark in the fourth quarter. As mentioned, I am predicting a final score of 30-23 in favor of Clemson – so, I am taking the over this week.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change