#9 NOTRE DAME VS. CENTRAL MICHIGAN PREVIEW: Brett Cagle previews this Saturday's home game versus Central Michigan and gives his score prediction.

#9 Notre Dame (3-0) vs. Central Michigan (1-1) 


The Fighting Irish return to South Bend after defeating ACC opponent NC State 45-24 last Saturday. Notre Dame Quarterback Sam Hartman continued his stellar play throwing for 286 yards and 4 Touchdowns against the Wolfpack. Running Back Audic Estime gashed NC State for 134 yards and 2 Touchdowns on the ground. Following Notre Dame’s road win Head Coach Marcus Freeman liked how his team handled adversity stating “You’ve got guys coming in, like Sam that’s been through adversity, to stay in the moment, to not be so focused on what happened in the past.”

Where to Watch: Peacock (2:30 CST)

Location: South Bend, Indiana

Betting Spread: -34.5 Notre Dame

Notre Dame will face Mid-American Conference opponent Central Michigan on Saturday in a contest they are expected to dominate. The Irish will enter this game as thirty-four-and-a-half point favorites at home. Central Michigan defeated The University of  New Hampshire last week in a 45-42 shootout. In week one Central Michigan was outmatched against Big Ten opponent Michigan State losing 31-7 against the Spartans. 

Notre Dame has had a solid defense throughout the early weeks of the season holding opponents to under 100 yards rushing in each of their first three games. Central Michigan had two players rush for over 100 yards against New Hampshire but struggled through the air throwing for less than 200 yards. Against the Irish stout rush defense, the Chippewas are expected to struggle offensively this weekend. 

Receiver Holden Staes had a monster game last week catching 2 touchdowns while adding 4 receptions and 115 yards through the air. Notre Dame has a deep receiving core with Jaden Greathouse (8 Rec, 113 Yards, and 3 Touchdowns) and Jayden Thomas (8 Rec, 125 Yards, 1 Touchdown) also getting off to a great start this season as well. 

Players to Watch (Notre Dame):
QB Sam Hartman- (48-64) 75% Completion Percentage, 731 yards, 10 Touchdowns, 0 INT
RB Audic Estime- 345 Rushing Yards, 4 Touchdowns, 8.0 YPC
WR Chris Tyree- 6 Rec, 128 Yards, 1 Touchdown

Players to Watch (Central Michigan):
QB Bert Emanuel Jr.- (18-36) 280 Passing Yards, 3 Touchdowns, 3 INT, 142 Rushing Yards, 2 Rushing Touchdowns
RB Myles Bailey- 127 Yards Rushing, 1 Touchdown
WR Chris Parker- 5 Receptions, 142 Yards, 1 Touchdown

Prediction: Notre Dame 42 - Central Michigan 10

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