Temple vs. Notre Dame Odds
SOUTH BEND, IN (The Spread) – No. 14 Notre Dame looks to start another unbeaten regular season on Saturday when its hosts Temple at 3:30PM ET on NBC.
View Current College Football Odds
Notre Dame went 12-0 in the 2012 regular season before getting pounded in the BCS National Championship Game by Alabama. The Fighting Irish were 7-6 against the spread last year. Temple was just 4-7 last season, both straight up and against the spread. This is the first meeting between the two programs.
Trends show that Notre Dame is just 1-4 against the spread in its last five home games while Temple is 5-0-1 ATS in its last 6 games in August and 13-3 against the spread in its last 16 games against independent teams.
According to oddsmakers from Bovada.lv, Notre Dame is the heavy favorite at home, as the Fighting Irish have odds of -30 points against Temple. The over/under total for the contest has been set at 52.5 points. (View Matchup) The opening odds for this game had Notre Dame as a 28-point favorite. The spread was never lower than that and is currently at its peak with the Irish favored by 30. The over/under total opened at a low of 51 points. It hit a peak of 53 before currently settling at 52.5.
Notre Dame shocked the world a year ago by reaching the national title game, but now the expectations are different. The Fighting Irish have hopes to get back to another BCS bowl, but will have to do so with quarterback Tommy Rees. Everett Golson, last year’s starter, was booted from the school for academic violations, leaving the senior to take over. Rees has some experience, but has not been consistent under center. The team also has to replace its leading rusher and four of its top six receivers on offense. If Notre Dame is going to win, it must show glimpses of the 2012 defense that allowed just 12.8 points and 305 yards per game. Despite losing team leader Manti Te’o, Notre Dame still has a lot of strong pieces on defense, led by Prince Shembo and Stephon Tuitt on the ends. The two combined for 19.5 sacks and 21 hurries in 2012.
Temple took a big step back last year, falling to 4-7, which led to a change in head coach. Matt Ruhle takes over the program and has 14 starters back from the 2012 team. The offense lacks a lot of star power, as the Owls will be breaking in a new quarterback, new starting running back and some new receivers. The offensive line does return four starters, but Temple will have to rely on its defense to contend. Unfortunately, this is a defense that allowed 31.2 points and 437 yards per game a year ago, including 199 rushing yards per contest. Of the six returning starters on defense, Tyler Matakevich should lead the group from the linebacker position. He had 101 tackles a year ago.
Bet on College Football Week 1 Odds
In terms of Injuries, Notre Dame running back Will Mahone is doubtful for the game with an ankle injury while Temple offensive lineman Scott Roorda will miss the season due to a back injury.
The Public Bets for this game are currently backing Temple, as the Owls are getting 63% of the wagers with odds of +30 points against Notre Dame.
Want More From TheSpread.com? Follow us on Twitter and Facebook or Subscribe to Our News Feeds!