Penn State, NOT Notre Dame, should be the betting favorite in the Orange Bowl

[@jesserp23]

Notre Dame has some kind of weird energy going on. They’ve lost a lot of talent to injuries and the next guy up seems to be on fire. They play like their hair is on fire

[@joe-hl9rl]

Really good way of putting it, as an Irish fan that energy has been building all year long and it's really great that we have a good team in Penn State to test ourselves with. It'll be a fun and nerve-wracking game.

[@mattobrien6053]

4:19 ND was up 20 to 3 vs. UGA. What would you do? Take risks and get yards? Or play ball control, run the clock, and play keep away minimizing possessions?

[@EricAnderson-j7l]

Well balanced discussion. Whoever wins the turnover battle, wins the game.

[@mattobrien6053]

Amazing to consider even if Love doesn't play, there's not much of a drop off if any at all with Price

[@user-xj9po6ep9i]

😂😂😂😂😂 ok.

[@ekim2512]

Notre Dame really hasn't had to pass the ball because they've built commanding leads in almost all of their games.

[@darbyheavey406]

That’s smart football….ND can run outside AND between the tackles. ND defeated Georgia pretty easily on January 2- that’s why they are favored.

[@ND-9]

It doesn’t really matter who the favorite is. It’s basically a pick’em. They still have to play the game. But I will say, there are levels to this. SMU and Boise State ain’t Notre Dame.

[@MichaelShepherd-n5v]

We aren’t Bosie state or smu. Get ready for some real football

[@diffytime]

I’m excited good luck go PSU. I respect your team it should be a fun one.

[@timelkin838]

We Are aware and understand how physical ND is. More physical than PSU which I can't think of any team more physical than these 2 yet ND just looks noticeably more Physical. That scares me the most. I think PSU is 1 player slightly making them more talented. This might have a lot of injuries which I'd hate to see for either team for the final. We will all be stressed the entire game on both sides. PSU gets ball with 1.47 left with 1 timeout and down by 2 kind of game. Our kicker is a replacement from the first kicker missing like 6 out of 7 to start the season. Anything beyond the 37-yard range is scares me and every yard and centimeter game.

[@jonknestrick5219]

OK kiddo hahahaha. And we're better than NIU!

[@lw8703]

Hope you learned how to pass.

[@Ingavi]

We have seen some real football already, how about Oregon and Ohio State?

[@richardgazdyka8716]

No. ND is better. They are still underrated

[@GBU61]

How? Aside from gifting 14 points to the Irish, what can it do against a team that doesn’t make a lot of mistakes. Penn State has better QB play and better impact players.

[@brianmoretti8995]

@@GBU61 so executing and breaking a kick return TD and getting a strip sack is being gifted now? They didn’t have to do much outside of sit on Georgia’s chest and let the clock bleed out once up 20-3 knowing the way their D was holding up that Georgia just could not get to 21+

[@crodgers1011]

​@@GBU61gifting?😂 that's called football. Why? Psu best wins, Boise and Illinois 😂😂😂 sit down

[@fbharris67]

@@GBU61 He's right. Allar is going to fumble on his own ten, some Notre Dame defender is going to recover and whatever the Notre Dame quarterback's name is will throw a 10 yard TD. First half will expire and Notre Dame will score a TD on KO to open 2nd half. It is really very easy. Why don't you understand that? 🤣🤣🤣

[@guineapigclips5205]

@@fbharris67 you say fumbled like it wasnt a FORCED play. Georgia qb didnt just drop the ball. ND defender came off the edge, beat his man, swatted away the ball, then the offense capitalized, no luck involved.

[@hylkema101]

funny, Locked on hoosiers literally said the exact same thing before the ND game 😂

[@LockedOnNittanyLions]

Shout out Jacob. He’s awesome.

[@fbharris67]

They did? If that is true then Penn State shouldn't even board the plane.

[@hylkema101]

@@fbharris67 good call 😂

[@fbharris67]

@@hylkema101 Absolutely, if Locked On Hoosiers said it (I have no idea what Locked on Hoosiers is) it must apply 100% to Penn State. But the Pope says that Penn State is going to beat Notre Dame.

[@hylkema101]

@@fbharris67 damn, didnt know that. The Irish have no shot.

[@jayrodriguez9211]

They’re gonna need Lou Holtz to beat us!! #WeAre Easy win!!

[@billwalsh9149]

What a weird take about the spread. ND is #1 ATS in all of college football over the last 5 years. They are 51-25-2 and +6.0 ATS! It is an unbelievable stat. There is probably no more reliable bet in sports than Notre Dame to beat the spread. This season they are 11-2-1 and +10.5 ATS. Bettors constantly underestimate and disrespect them. Whatever the spread is for an ND game, give them another 6-10 points to understand where the spread should be. In this game, that makes it -7.5-11.5.

[@antwha5526]

I agree. at least ND -4.5. Also out BU QB is gone. he alone was worth 3+ points

[@joshuafinn6038]

The video title should read "I dont really understand how vegas sets money lines"....

[@r.k.werner2688]

I know, right? They pick the lines to get a 50/50 split and collect their juice. It’s not about who they think is going to win and by how much

[@randychester2754]

Looks like an evenly matched toss-up. Don't know why you'd want to be the favorite, much better to be the underdog and fly under the radar.

PSU at +500 to win it all. You can't get much more underdawg than that.

[@vekayu]

To be fair, ND and Texas are both +350 - not a huge drop off

[@kenjones7240]

I am as hardcore a PSU fan as anyone, but I understand why most people do not give Penn State the benefit of the doubt. We have a DESERVED reputation for NOT playing well against the big dogs. I feel in my heart that’s is changing, we just have to prove it

[@buccos2004]

Consistent, thoughtful analysis backed by fact and examining both sides of an issue from Zach, as always. No ridiculous hyperbole and opinions meant to incite negativity as click bait. Appreciate honest and dare I say old fashioned reporting. I put Zach up with journalists/commentators like Steve Jones and Jeff Byars. The best of the best.

[@chrisgironda1746]

As a Penn State fan, this game is going to be very frustrating no matter the results. If we lose, we lose, and that sucks. If we win, the narrative is that we beat a ND team missing a million starters and don’t deserve it. The only outcome that generates some level of national respect would be beating Ohio State in the National Championship game, and even then people will say we lucked our way into that game by having the easiest path. Being a Penn State fan is rather hard when the sports world overlooks you constantly. We had to deal with Boise State saying “please count us out”, but they failed to realize that the media has counted Penn State out at least 5-6 times already this season. We were going to struggle with preseason Heisman hopeful Garret Green and WVU, then we were supposed to lose to Illinois/USC, fall during the stretch of Wisconsin/Minnesota/Washington/Maryland, etc. #LTFI and get this Notre Dame team out of the way. Let’s go.

[@BasedOpinionsPodcast]

To be fair that’s because u lost to every team that was good. Nd lost but have looked like a team possessed since then beating 5 ranked teams n it not really being close in any of those games. I agree its close but it makes sense nd is favorite

[@_kopick]

@@BasedOpinionsPodcast army navy and Louisville give me a fucking break

[@thomasdeebel6695]

Who cares? All you can do is play the next team up. Just win.

[@thomasdeebel6695]

@@BasedOpinionsPodcastyou lost to a bad team, PSU lost to a to 4 team in November and a number one team last month. Both by one score.

[@user-xj9po6ep9i]

​@@BasedOpinionsPodcast😂😂😂😂😂 joke take. ND wouldn't keep it close with Oregon or OSU. PSU never lost to a mediocre team like NIU.

[@mattobrien6053]

15:37 it's every week.... "I can't see how ND's defense will hold down PSU's ________" Get ready to be beaten down. 3rd down percentage, rush ypc, pass completion percentage, pass yards. Al Golden is the best D coordinator in the nation. You will be shut down.

[@Popz5362]

Bro imma new fan of your show. Good stuff

[@gbaby1372]

Mitchell evans is about fully healthy but honestly i think eli raridon is maybe the best they dont target. Ty warren is definitely nice i dont think hes unstoppable though he's just fed the ball .

[@MaryKerstetter]

I was happy to see Franklin's update on Abdul Carter and the strong possibility that he plays per the latest update. Carter is a key defensive player that increases the odds of Penn State winning if he plays.

[@timelkin838]

I hope he is full strength. His back up can tackle really well and I don't want to see Carter miss tackles because he isn't quite the same as usual.

[@antwha5526]

Abdul will only help us if the refs call holding on the offence.

[@timelkin838]

@@antwha5526 I've never in my life seen someone get held so often and almost never get it called. The Ducks don't win if they called the 5 easy holding calls but probably closer to 7 from what I counted. I simply don't get it. I hate hearing people say the refs lost them the game but in this case it's actually true with Carter.

[@rfplaw1]

PSU beat Illinois and 2 G5 level cfp teams. Who else did you beat?

[@Ingavi]

In case you have not noticed, we play in the BIG10, the Elite football conference. The NIL has reduced the SEC to a thing of the past.

[@GBU61]

Who had ND beaten? The military academies and a mediocre USC team? PS played Ohio State and Oregon competitively. The Georgia win was good but PS is a different type of team.

[@delby66]

@@GBU61 Beat Georgia Tech in their own backyard and don't forget they took Georgia to how many overtimes and were unlucky to lose that game. Beat Texas A&M in their own backyard, so don't give that BS that they didn't beat anyone. They demolished everyone else for god sake after that NIU game.

[@crodgers1011]

​@Ingavi Elite? 😂😂 1 or 2 teams and psu ain't one of them. You guys played and struggled against the weakest of the big10

[@FrancoDFernando]

You think Penn State should be the 1.5 pt favorite? Dude, for all intents and purposes, Vegas is saying that’s basically a toss up. Edit: wrote this before Brian Smith started talking lol…I agree with him

[@GBU61]

This game will be won in ways no one is expecting. This is a pick ‘em game.

[@caseyschoenleber1760]

Penn State CANNOT start slow in this one! Need to stop ND blitz and cause enough pressure of our own to make Riley throw early

[@gbaby1372]

I don't even know if that's possible my guy they couldn't stop a less talented Boise state's blitz it's going to be extremely hard to pick up ND's blitz. As a ND fan I will tell ya y'all have to get quick passes out

[@gbaby1372]

Also if Riley sees pressure and his guys aren't open he is quick to pull and run no hesi

@@gbaby1372 2 words >>>> Tyler Warren. Go ahead and stop him. I dare ya. TW is going to make you weep...and cry...but at least you can take solace in knowing you kept it close.

[@antwha5526]

cannot let them hang aroud cannont play undiscipled (over celebrating during game first down arrows, unsporstmanlike holding, offsides false stsrts)

[@IamTenzinIamthesonofAang]

I see TW, and I raise you Watts, Moore, Bowen, Kiser, Ausberry defensively, and Love, Price, and Leonard offensively.

[@stephenmoist623]

Great Podcast !!!!

[@thekksinca824]

Zach falling into the fallacy of every ND opponent and their fans. “ND cannot pass and that means we win!” Yeah….outside of a few stats, did you do any analysis on why ND pass stats are so bad? Nope! Because you have not mentioned them. It is not as simple as ND has good rushing attack. Anyway, I will throw a stat to you. Go check out RL pass efficiency in the last 12 games (since the NIU game). You will be shocked.

[@jonathanrolon7457]

I did the math for you…RL has a 67.5%. Completion % since the NIU game. Pretty good for a QB who can run. Their completion %s (Drew vs Riley) are very similar. It’s the fact that ND doesn’t push the ball down the field that gets people all doubtful about their passing game. You just can’t stat compare here. We don’t have a guy like Tyler Warren but guys like Warren struggle to be game breakers against our D.

[@alg678]

Oregon fan here. 100% agree. As a child, Tyler Warren walked downhill to school. And he walked downhill home.

[@aDistraction-ls4up]

Everyone says you can wear out Notre Dame. Texas A&M visibly was mentally and physically exhausted early in the 3rd quarter. In Texas. Georgia was clearly done in the middle of the 3rd. Every single play is brought with so much violence, that it starts mentally. And after 2.5 quarters, it’s exhausting. People underestimate that. Especially when you feel you’re SO CLOSE to scoring, or feeling relief from a score, and then someone new on NDs defense makes a massive play and causes a turnover. Both playoff games, their opponents turned the ball over deep in Irish territory. It’s a saying that it “takes the wind out of your sails” but that’s an understatement what it does to you mentally. Notre Dame is physically and mentally tougher than everyone they’ve lined up against. And let’s be real, Penn State struggled with Boises blitz. Can Penn State handle what ND is bringing?

[@timelkin838]

ND will grind PSU down so starting slow for PSU simply can't happen. Just got to get 13 in the first half and if it's 17 than PSU can win with 6 to 10 points in the second half. PSU is my favorite sports team and the only one I love that hasn't won the big one in my lifetime. I just want to see it once and it won't be so devastating every year the day after we play OSU.

[@stephenmoist623]

PSU NEEDS A QUICK START !!!! MAKE ND PASS THE BALL !!!!

[@haroldweaver662]

WE MIST BE LOUD AND CRAZY!!!! MAKE THAT LENARD KOD THRO 5 INTS!!!!!!

[@gbaby1372]

Trying to force ND to pass will not work like you think because ND is a short pass team . They will hit the 5-15 yrd passes just to make you play up then try to throw a bomb which will make you back up and that's when they strike with the run game

[@westonhull7595]

@@haroldweaver662he doesn’t turn it over like that lol. If his 1st & 2nd options aren’t there he will just take off & see what he can get on the scramble

[@psuinstl]

“Penn State, they don’t do well from behind.” Actually, they’ve been behind quite a bit. They had furious comebacks against USC, Oregon.

[@Ingavi]

Quite the contrary, they have the ability to punch back. Against Oregon, PSU was a totally resilient team!

[@markgallagher3962]

The overwhelming national narrative is still that PSU can't win a big game. That's all the line is representitive of. The first 2 CFP games were never going to change that. Be happy and take the 2 points!

[@rfplaw1]

They havent won 1 this yr either. Illinois?. Lol

[@timelkin838]

If they beat ND it will still be echoed. Georgia didn't have their QB and ND was overrated for losing to PSU and if they were to beat OSU then it will be OSU played like it was that Michigan game and this was the worst year of good teams in college football in 10 plus years. A clock is right at least twice a day and that will be said of PSU which is crazy because they lose to a top 3 team usually that is ranked in the top 5 and when Clifford played for 5 years it made up at least 6 of those loses. Franklin puts together a top 15 roster consistently with down years and has made some risky calls that didn't work. He was voted the most overrated coach one year by other coaches, yet this is the 2nd team he's put on the field that could actually compete for a national championship. I think only 4 or maybe 5 schools can say the same. When Barkley was playing in his last year, they really had OSU but the year before when they beat OSU and won the conference Championship the committee put in OSU over PSU which was by far the biggest robbery, they made in the 4-team playoff. They most likely would have lost but it was the one time they would have been in the hunt and now they are the only undefeated team in the CFP all time haha

[@Ingavi]

- SMU Mustangs' Quarterback Kevin Jenkins was going to destroy PSU, how did that end? A nightmare for Jenkins! Jennings finished the first half 9-of-19 for 77 yards and three interceptions and a commanding 28-0 lead into the intermission. - Boise State Broncos' Running Back Ashton Jeanty was supposedly going to score TDs and run 40+ yards, and blah, blah, blah, how did that false narrative end for Jeanty? Jeanty rushed for 104 yards on 30 carries in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game - just 3.5 yards per run -. - Too much disrespect for PSU players and Coach Franklin.

[@mattobrien6053]

Yep, Franklin reminds me of Brian Kelly. Smug, can't win big games, complains, arrogant, not likeable, etc

[@markgallagher3962]

@mattobrien6053 parents like him a little bit

[@mattobrien6053]

4:08 Cross had cramps and came back. Watts wasn't injured? I didn't see or hear any of that. He did miss one play due to his shoe coming off.

[@IrishCarBombMeets12TeamPlayoff]

Watts was in the tent for at least a play after the shoe incident.

[@vekayu]

Watts got his shoulder looked at

[@brettk9316]

How is ND gonna score? Not to be a jerk but seriously?

[@NYCYardie]

Honestly speaking, the same question could be asked of Penn State.

[@ryany9399]

Georgia had 3 top 12 draft picks on defense. PSU is not Georgia regardless of what defense rankings say. If Georgia played PSU or Notre Dame schedule. They'd be top 5-10 easily.

[@jonknestrick5219]

​​@@ryany9399man, I have ties to UGA football. I'll tell you UGA sucked this year. You're in for a shock after playing all that ACC "football".

[@Ingavi]

PSU need to be extra cautious with ND's Specials Teams.

[@gbaby1372]

UGA fans asked the same question 🤷🏿‍♂️

[@royanderson3478]

I like 👍 PSU personally and always root for them, but ND fighting 💪 Irish 🍀 I've noticed play fast defense. Looking back on previous natty 🏆 they look similar 😄. PSU better be ready

[@kenbecker8410]

ND is the next man up team this year! ND hasn’t had a problem scoring all year pal!

[@RSeaker]

Each play call must be made that maximizes reaching the intended objective with the least amount of risk. Do not try to "wow" when it's 3rd and one. Maybe line up for a tush push, but quickly send a player in motion, or get Warren to pole vault with the ball, etc. No double reverse passes. Effective, low risk variations only

[@gbaby1372]

If ND wins the toss and ND differs i promise you it may be a bad day for Penn State if ND scores first.

[@Jay-pd9kc]

I was just thinking that. The toss is crucial

[@badcomike]

That just shows how good NDs defense is

[@michaelmorris6406]

I don't know if you know this but Brian's a big time Notre Dame fan. It's going to be a fun game. Everybody seems to underestimate Notre Dame. They say they can't do this. They can't do that. They just seem to win. Good luck Penn State. Go Irish 🍀

[@guildguitars6349]

Go figure a Penn State fan would consider his team the favorite. 😂 You do understand the odds are set based on the bets that are being placed, right?

[@PichiMaude]

Thanks for sharing such valuable information! A bit off-topic, but I wanted to ask: I have a SafePal wallet with USDT, and I have the seed phrase. (alarm fetch churn bridge exercise tape speak race clerk couch crater letter). How should I go about transferring them to Binance?

[@stephenmoist623]

PSU is the Better team !!!!

[@delby66]

Not a chance, especially on defense.

[@moedean3342]

Penn St. biggest win was against who? Illinois? Get ready for a close game that will feel like Penn St. was never in it.

[@fbharris67]

As an unspoiled Illinois fan who roots for all Big Ten teams in non conference games, (especially games against SEC and Notre Dame), I am begging PSU to force ND fans to STFU. And then beat Ohio State because their fans are the most obnoxious in our conference. Drunk ND fans don't seem to realize that 61% of their points resulted from two quickflash TDs and that it is unlikely that they can replicate this. They have forgotten that Georgia had a backup QB (a really talented backup, but inexperienced just the same).

[@ThereWentTheIrish]

Unlikely they can replicate it??? They've won 12 in a row, all but a couple by double digits. They aren't winning by accident. Imagine if PSU had to play IU then Georgia. They'd be out 😅😅😅 you PSU fans are absolutely delusional! ND about to beat you with more than 25% of their starters out with injury then you can stop babbling nonsense. Not only will you have to beat the players, you'll have to beat the coaches and that just isn't happen. Franklin beats himself 9/10 times, Freeman coaches to win and has a far superior OC/DC/STC trio. You got IUs leftovers.

[@fbharris67]

@@ThereWentTheIrish You must be drinking the Silly Excuses Conference Kool Aid or Irish Whiskey because you are winning hypothetical matchups, an SEC pastime. ND beat Georgia fair and square. Their defense was really impressive. Just the same, Georgia did have a talented (but inexperienced QB). You got me on the points replication. I fully expect PSU to give up 7 on a KO return and Allar will fumble on his own 10 yard line near the end of the first half. But PSU has a secret weapon. They are sneaking 7 players from Northern Illinois through a little know transfer portal loophole.

[@ThereWentTheIrish]

@fbharris67 everything I said was fact. Make a real argument

[@fbharris67]

@@ThereWentTheIrish Don't get upset over a little bit of Northern Illinois transfer portal satire. It is obvious that you are very emotional. I am not a Penn State fan, and offered reasonable ideas about the relative strengths and weaknesses of this game. I tend to agree that ND head coach seems to have the secret sauce. Sometimes I scratch my head watching PSU. I remember watching my beloved Illini and wondering "how is Illinois in this game when PSU is obviously vastly superior in the trenches?" Yes, I think that PSU shoots itself in the foot sometimes with poor offensive play calling. That being said, both SMU and BSU are still pretty good teams. Try to look at this game objectively. Imagine how ND would have done with PSU's schedule and vice versa. And I am not trying to be funny about this. If I were a sober ND fan, I would be deeply concerned about scoring points on PSU. ND does not have OSU or Oregon's offense. And after subtracting the two TDs against Georgia, ND really didn't show much offense.

[@MrRyanZellmer]

Texas a&m had no turnovers against the Irish

[@denbo74]

Vegas is likely factoring in Franklins record against equivalent competition…which is abysmal

[@LockedOnBIG10]

Totally agree. Penn State has more weapons on both sides of the ball.

[@B1Gspirit]

I cannot wait for this game.

[@Rickydemp2]

Drew Allard doesn’t turn the ball over a lot, but when he does, he turns it over in the big games, the games where his team needs him to show up. I saw him turn the ball over two times in the USC game, and I think it was the Ohio State game, and then he also turned it over in the Oregon game. I’ll be honest: Notre Dame‘s defense is probably better than that of Organs and USC combined. I wouldn’t say they’re better than Ohio states, but it takes a lot of confidence in them. I haven’t seen Aller come up in the big moment. He always plays from behind in the big games.

[@Unclenedi]

I think if Carter and Reed are fine, and Allar doesn’t have a meltdown, we have a slight edge. It either if them is out, or if they get to Allar early, we might be cooked 🤷‍♂️

[@johnlane3640]

I STARTING COLLEGE PENN STATE 1971 MEDIA BEING HATERS AT LEAST THAT LONG

[@haroldweaver662]

AND DONT FORGET THAT LITTIMORE KID!!!!!!!

[@maya_coqsalonga]

What hasn't been mentioned is the PSU kicker Ryan Barker Every kick is down the middle. He's been great and I don't remember him missing a kick since he became the starter. 82% overall, 100% under 40 yards. 45 of 46 xtp.

[@maya_coqsalonga]

With the game predicted to be tight and fairly low scoring the kickers can win or lose this game.

[@AllHandlesHaveBeenTaken]

The odds makers took into account Carters injury

[@dannysavagedraftguru]

Abdul Carter going pull his Hyman warm ups and not go these lines don’t make sense.

[@AV24274]

Speaking of not making sense, did you read your comment? Speak english

[@berniecoderre3935]

Penn State hasn't beat a team as good as Georgia or Indiana yet! The Irish beat the crap out of Georgia without it's entire starting dline!

[@brettk9316]

And lost to NIU :) Hard beating down year SEC teams with back up QBs in I guess? Indiana beat no one themselves. But keep thinking that lol. Give me PSU 24 ND 17.

[@Hockeywizard5577]

Indiana is SMU tier tbh. Both were transfer portal teams from the G5

[@keithrockey8652]

Ummmmmm, penn state beat indiana . . . See schedule oct 28 . . . Duh

[@NYCYardie]

@@keithrockey8652huh??????

[@NYCYardie]

@@keithrockey8652not in this dimension. Indiana has two losses, one to the Irish, and the other to OSU.

[@BartcoRacing]

Penn state fans are so easily offended ….lol.

[@jarezbear9502]

As a Notre Dame fan I agree that you should be favored. Considering that Notre Dame is the most injured team in the playoffs. I just don't see how the depth can hold for another physical game which is what this will be. I am confident in my Irish but we will see.🍀🍀🍀🍀

[@LockedOnNittanyLions]

Appreciate the comment!

[@mattobrien6053]

20:54 if you struggled against Boise, let me introduce you to Al Golden

[@antwha5526]

Al Golden was almost picked as HC after BOB. We took Franklin instead. IMO big mistake.

ND's QB was pretty impressive vs GA but I doubt he'll be able to pull than off vs PSU's defense. We'll see if Carter is a go. I imagine he sits the firstr series to see if the defense is going to have any problems without him. I think this game is a "no play" vs the Vegas line but PSU +500 to win everyhting is definitely a bet every PSU fan should make. $55 bux upfront pays $250...someone tell me why to heyell not make that bet. Oh, because OSU is a "lock" to win it all. Good point.

[@garystevenson6582]

You think you know more than Vegas? Vegas doesn’t have feelings. Vegas has this game basically a toss up. Most people who don’t care who wins either way are favoring ND also. This ND defense is the best in the country & thats without arguably their 4 best players on defense. It’s crazy they haven’t taken a step back with all those injuries

[@SavageWorkouts]

The biggest factor for Penn State to be favored? That confirmation bias that has you high out of your mind

[@antwha5526]

3-19 vs. top ten 1-13 vs. top five That alone should make PSU at least a 5:1 underdog moneyline and +4.5 on the point spread. Plus, we have been playing sloppy undisciplined (over celebrating, first down arrow, Unsportamanlike, holding).

[@LockedOnNittanyLions]

How Penn State played against a top 5 team in 2019 has no impact on how they play a team in the Orange Bowl in 2025.

[@jonathanrolon7457]

Riley Leonard won the “Air it out” challenge at the Manning Passing Camp. He has proven that he can throw a good ball. I would understand if Riley had a ton of TOs but 3 of his interceptions were on tipped balls. ND has a VERY efficient passing game it just isn’t explosive and that is because protecting the football is their #1 priority on offense. They are not willing to risk a TO and would rather punt than push the ball on 3rd and long. If you watched every ND football game you can see that because we are elite in Special Teams and D we can afford to take less risks on offense.

[@user-xj9po6ep9i]

😂😂😂😂 there is always an excuse

[@Jon-PaulPelegreen]

Notre Dame is going to win this game. They are the more physical team on both sides of the ball. They dont always play pretty, but they find ways to win. More importantly, the Fighting Irish have covered the spread in 10 consecutive games.

[@mattobrien6053]

Yep, totally agree

[@joe-hl9rl]

It'll be a good game, I'm and Irish fan and I hope you're wrong. Either way good luck!

[@gbaby1372]

Do folks know there are alternative spreads 🤔

[@scottstephenson9404]

We both played usc . These teams are close. The question will really be is it the stars of the show in blue and white or the quiet team first do your part mentality in navy and gold. Im excited to see this one . WE ARE

[@IrishCarBombMeets12TeamPlayoff]

We both played Purdue as well.

[@scottstephenson9404]

@IrishCarBombMeets12TeamPlayoff ok forgot that one

[@IamTenzinIamthesonofAang]

ENN DEE!!!

[@mattobrien6053]

25:27 ND's passing attack relies on short efficient throws. ND doesn't drop back for 5 seconds because they aren't good in pass pro. ND knows this and is one of the best teams in term of low sack rate.

[@delby66]

Plus they take care of the ball. Don't give away too many turnovers. The opposite goes for their defense. They create a lot of turnovers and they were the best team in the country at scoring points from them.

[@stephenmoist623]

Carters replacement played Great. VANOVER is a Great DE !!!!

[@Gab-cu3oi]

Penn State barely beat USC. ND always led in that football game against USC. Penn State came back and won that game. I don’t see Penn St beating ND even with all the third stringers ND has on offense and defense. I didn’t think ND had that much depth and make it this far. It’s pretty awesome. Penn State is a good team. But I don’t think their coaching helps them. PSU has really good players. Especially 44. He’s a beast. But ND is going to win this game by at least 2 scores. I love that it’s the old school teams playing. ND vs PSU. Hope it’s a great game. I’d prefer ND to be the underdog. Cuz ND has been slept on by a lot of folks

[@ScarletGray-o3j]

When the bracket came out my prediction was: Ohio State defeating Notre Dame in the CFP National Championship Game.

[@shyguyms]

ND By 14... Penn State hasn't beaten a good team all season and Franklin has NEVER won a big game

[@mikesul16]

Until Penn State beats a real team, I don’t believe it for a second. Franklin always takes a dump in his shorts when it counts. My guess is ND beats the breaks off Penn State.

[@ryansheard8092]

These are fairly evenly matched teams. If PSU can force Leonard to throw, it'll favor the Nittany Lions. This should be a defensive battle that will be one or lost in the 4th qtr.

[@delby66]

PSU better watch Faison because he's for real. A clutch catch and run receiver. Makes a lot of yards out of nothing.

[@1776PatriotYourDuty]

People don’t realize how good this ND team is; even with all the injuries (& it’s a lot) they have great depth & a next man up mentality; they were the more physical team against UGA especially on the defensive side of the ball - which never happens; ND should be the favorite; could either team win? Yes! But I wouldn’t count on it if I was a PSU fan…

[@GT05578]

Amazing that Penn state got handed this easy path to the semis for losing every big game this season. How can you be rewarded an easy path for losing to OSU and Oregon? Makes no sense

[@aDistraction-ls4up]

Notre Dame was 3rd in points per game but you’re suggesting Notre Dame can’t play in a shootout because of….yards per pass?! Got it PS- I’m sorry to sound disrespectful. I’m still hungover from dealing with Georgia fans. They’re literally the worst!

[@SonNguyen-mk2wq]

Ah, I see what you're doing here. Yes, Penn State should win by 20. This isn't a good test for Franklin. He should win this game.

[@mattobrien6053]

Way off. ND is far better than PSU.

[@SonNguyen-mk2wq]

@mattobrien6053 kinda missed the whole joke on Franklin didn't ya?

[@michaelorberg3041]

Should be a good game. PSU can't make stupid mistakes, turn the ball over, Abdul Carter must play.

[@Maddog2020RH]

As far as I’m concerned these two teams are about even. It will come down to whoever makes less mistakes

[@BC-lp3sv]

Denbrock will have some new wrinkles if necessary - you haven’t seen it all

[@erskine68]

Penn State is between a USC and Oregon… not real impressive. They definitely have a shortfall in their tackling vs Notre Dame.

[@NYCYardie]

Saying the odds are wrong is like saying people should like apples more than oranges (or vice versa). The odds are determined by who people feel is better, and that’s a totally subjective matter. You can’t be mad at people because they don’t like your team.

[@ryansheard8092]

Vegas doesn't set the point spread based on who ppl think is better. They set the line based on a ton of factors, but it's really about how they think they can make $.

[@NYCYardie]

@@ryansheard8092 which all boils down to who Vegas believes the collective sentiment has settled on as the likely winner. People don’t usually think the worse team will win.

[@douglaserb1]

​@@ryansheard8092opening line is set based on mathematical models and probability of winning. The line moves from there based on action. Opening up as a 1.5 in a neutral field is close to pick em, however Vegas line makers favor ND slightly.

[@davejohn255]

The important thing is what is the line for the Eagles Packers game.😀 Go PSU.

[@MrRyanZellmer]

Texas a&m has no turnovers against the Irish

[@MrRyanZellmer]

Nd has 3 tyler Warren’s. In love, price, and Leonard

[@Zinter1984]

ND isn't great, but PSU isn't either and won't be favorites in these games until they show they can win games like these.

[@timelkin838]

I think Penn State has better WR than what it looks like on paper. Sometimes they look not quite elite but solid. ND will wear PSU down with that running game and will win the TO. PSU will need Warren in this game but if are better from behind than ND. ND has less of a chance to win a final drive than PSU does because Allar can make NFL arm when they need it most.

[@mattobrien6053]

I dare Allar to throw risky balls against ND. Best pass defense in the nation. Al Golden is a genius.

[@travis88cards]

LMAO 🤡🤡🤡

[@ScarletGray-o3j]

Ohio State has a better defense than Notre Dame. Ohio State gave up 10.9 ppg this regular season. The only team to give up 11 or less in regular season is Ohio State. Notre Dame has the second best defense.

[@mattobrien6053]

@@ScarletGray-o3j I'm talking opponent adjusted stats, like ypc rush, pass completion %, and pass ypc, sack rate, int rate. Are you still playing with raw stats? Tell me, does Indiana have the best rush defense in the nation?

[@timelkin838]

@mattobrien6053 I'm not denying that although I am sure that could be argued but I think it's a fair statement. I do think Warren is simply someone you can't guard with 1 guy. A great TE has become the weapon of yesterday's future. How can you guard a guy 3 inches taller than the taller CB at 6'2 and with a 25-inch vertical that is 60 pounds bigger and has the hands of an NFL WR. Allar just needs to put in 1 on 1 with in as he's done in an area where only Warren can catch it. I don't see how this is anything but obvious as he's the best offense weapon in this game on either side. Allar can make great throws and is pretty good at taking sacks overthrowing the risky ball. ND will probably pick him off at least once and get a forced fumble. I think the WR group can make get open when ND brings the pressure. ND will get some sacks doing so. I am just pointing out the obvious. What do you do if you are PSU? ND is really good, but every team has shown they are capable of losing and that's how it should be. I think CF is more exciting than ever before especially for ND and PSU who have very similar histories and programs. Before 1993 I believe PSU was independent right next to ND and won 2 national champs in the 80's. How can you not love both of these programs or at least respect them as a fan.

[@hisuiangengar8169]

Does it really matter? It’s essentially a pickem

[@jeffcoup6686]

Regardless of what that guy thinks below…WE ARE PENN STATE…WE ARE ‘UNRIVALED’!

[@shyguyms]

yeah maybe they will bring Jerry in the locker room before the game to get the boys ready

[@jetsteeltherealdeal7827]

My random spinning wheel app said 49-0 Penn st…sounds about right lol😅 I’m not a fan of either team,I just like college football

[@douglaserb1]

Notre Dame fan here. Ohio State is going to brutalize every team left. This game is a pick em.

[@ummagumma7826]

PSU has played tougher opponents than Notre Dame has played but they haven’t won those games

[@IamTenzinIamthesonofAang]

WVU, Bowling Green, Kent State, and Purdue are just sooooooo hard 😜

[@ummagumma7826]

@ I was thinking Ohio st and Oregon

[@IamTenzinIamthesonofAang]

@@ummagumma7826 I know. Being contrary. But they did play UGA and TAMU… Remember! SEC IS THE MOSTEST ABSOLUTEST BESTEST EVER CONFERENCE

[@Redbirdsfan1970]

You guys got your defense ranks wrong. PSU is 6th and 8th against the run. ND is 8th and 33rd respectively.

[@samangeles1846]

Oh Zach. You give PennSt too much credit on defense. PennSt will be exposed as being over rated. PennSt’s defense is very good vs the pass. They will struggle with a OL like Notre Dame that will punch them in the face. Abdul Carter is 245 pounds, let’s see if he is aggressive enough to play a tough OL

[@timelkin838]

It's nearly the same teams but Penn State has Warren who makes Penn State slight favorites, but this is like a 53% to 47% kind of game. It might be a 60/40 at best. If Vegas didn't take a rake this would be profitable by picking Penn State. Not hard to find a passionate Notre Dame fan to give you 3.5 points and if you live in Indiana, you'll find just like with any fanbase the fools who will give you 19 points in a game like this. I once lost a Vegas -4 Spead and getting a fan to give me 28.5 points then losing by half a point and that fan finally learned how betting works like in poker where outcomes are about plus and neg EV yet look absolute after the fact. This will be a 1 score final most likely and low scoring. 23-24 Penn State.

[@gbaby1372]

I don't know man one point is hard I don't really see a scenario which will come in between 2 pts. If it comes down to a last pt thing then I think it may be at least a FG lead

[@Urfeelingsdontmatter]

And yet they arent. Either vegas knows better than you…or nevermind, vegas knows better than you

[@MTLUVR]

ND's will is too good in all three phases; they will wear Penn down and cause turnovers. Tight game. ND gets the win.

[@JFT6967]

You’ll always know the Locked on Nittany Lions will always be Penn State bias. Lol! May the better defence win. Lol

[@ryany9399]

This whole how is Notre Dame gonna score is crazy. Georgia had 3 top 12 draft pick on that defense. If Georgia played PSU or Notre Dame schedule they'd easily be top 5-10 in rankings on defense. And whoever that bald guy was. He's obviously a casual and has no idea what he's taking about when it comes to Notre Dame

[@mattobrien6053]

Didn't need to once up 20 to 3. ND played keep away in the second half limiting possessions. You know, smart football coaching...

[@delby66]

Notre Dame have the better defense. End of story.