A jam-packed slate of Week 10 action on the college football gridiron includes a showdown between the Miami Hurricanes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Saturday night.
The No. 1 team in the nation could get a significant test this weekend, as Miami has to go into South Bend and face a nighttime environment against Notre Dame.
Of course, the Hurricanes can afford a loss when it comes to their College Football Playoff standing since they are sitting pretty with an 8-0 record.
The Fighting Irish, on the other hand, already have a loss and another would likely cripple their CFP hopes.
With Saturday’s showdown set for 7:30pm ET on NBC, it’s time to break down the odds and discuss the best bets to make.
Miami vs. Notre Dame betting picks and predictions
Miami +7.5 (-127)
The biggest news surrounding this game is the most significant development of the entire week in college football, as Miami star receiver Malachi Toney suffered a high ankle sprain in practice and is out for Saturday – and probably for the next month.
Toney is a tough loss for the ‘Canes, but they may be able to make up for it by playing stout defense. Head coach Mario Cristobal’s squad is No. 21 nationally in points allowed at a mere 17.8 per game.
It is No. 1 in the entire country against the run – giving up just 60.8 yards per contest – and that should serve the visitors especially well against a Notre Dame offense that likes to control games on the ground.
Even on the road and missing one of their best players, 7.5 points are a lot for the top-ranked team in the nation.
The Hurricanes’ resume is never going to be amazing in the ACC, but they do boast a road victory over an upstart Wake Forest program. Darian Mensah is a good enough quarterback to do some damage even if he is without his favorite target.
Meanwhile, the only top-25 opponent that Notre Dame has faced this entire year is BYU. And what happened? The Irish went into Provo and lost 28-24.
Under 54.5 (-115)
This correlates nicely with Miami plus the points, as it would be especially difficult for Notre Dame to prevail by more than a touchdown if the game is a low-scoring slog.
That’s not to say that it will be a complete rock fight, but asking the undermanned Hurricanes and the efficient but not overly explosive Irish to combine for at least 55 points seems like too much.
Notre Dame arguably boasts the best defense in the entire country. Head coach Marcus Freeman’s team ranks No. 1 in yards allowed (236.3 yards per game), No. 6 in points allowed (13.4), No. 6 against the pass and No. 7 against the run. Only two opponents – North Carolina and BYU – have put up more than 13 points on the Fighting Irish.
Although Miami’s offense is more dangerous than any other unit that Notre Dame has seen this season, Toney’s absence cannot be overstated.
The sophomore has already racked up 1027 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns on 73 catches in 2026. No one else on the Hurricanes’ roster has caught more than 28 passes.
More than half of Mensah’s scoring strikes have gone in Toney’s direction, so the star signal-caller will be forced to find new targets in the red zone.
All things considered, the under looks like the way to go.
Read more college football picks and predictions on site.
Miami vs. Notre Dame odds
Miami | +225 |
Notre Dame | -275 |
Spread | Notre Dame -7.5 |
Total Points | O/U 54.5 |
Miami vs. Notre Dame player props
Anytime touchdown
Nolan James Jr. (Notre Dame) | -185 |
Jordan Faison (Notre Dame) | -110 |
Jonaz Walton (Notre Dame) | +100 |
Mark Fletcher Jr. (Miami) | +110 |
Cooper Barkate (Miami) | +155 |
CJ Carr (Notre Dame) | +165 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
