Last Updated on September 5, 2009 12:30 pm by drew
Nevada at Notre Dame
Expectations are high for Charlie Weis and Notre Dame, and the Fighting Irish begin their 2009 season on Saturday at 3:30PM ET, when they host
The Irish are currently ranked 23rd in the nation, but a light schedule has given Notre Dame fans hope for a run to the national championship in Weis’ fifth year as head coach. Notre Dame will rely on junior quarterback Jimmy Clausen to lead the way. Clausen is coming off a 2008 season where he threw for 3,172 yards and 25 touchdowns. The strength for the Fighting Irish may be their offensive line, with four of the five spots being filled by returning starters. Clausen will have his top target back as well, as Golden Tate caught 58 passes for 1,080 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Defensively, the Irish bring back six starters, and add in freshman Manti Te’o at linebacker.
Nevada poses a dangerous challenge for the Irish, as the Wolf Pack are led by junior quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who threw for 2,849 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2008. Kaepernick also rushed for 1,130 yards with 17 touchdowns to go along with running back Vai Taua, who rushed for 1,521 yards and 15 scores.
Oddsmakers from online sports book Sportsbook.com have made Notre Dame 14.5-point home favorites over
Betting Trends
NOTRE DAME: 1-6 ATS 1st month of season
Key Player Injuries
No significant injuries.
NOTRE DAME
No significant injuries.
College Football Week 1:
Notre Dame Fighting Irish -14.5 Under 61.5 (-600)
Player Props:
What will Colin Kaepernick (Nevada) throw first: Touchdown (-145) or Interception (+115)
Will Vai Taua (Nevada) score a touchdown: Yes (-150) or No (+120)
What will Jimmy Clausen (ND) throw first: Touchdown (-240) or Interception (+180)
Will Armando Allen (ND) score a touchdown: Yes (-200) or No (+160)
How many receptions will Michael Floyd (ND) have: Over/Under 4.5
How many receptions will Golden Tate (ND) have: Over/Under 5.5
Posted: 9/5/09 12:30PM ET