Notre Dame Football: Preview, prediction, live stream vs. Michigan

The rivalry between Michigan and Notre Dame football is back on! Here’s a preview for the upcoming matchup as the college football season kicks off.

It seems as if the weeks leading up to the start of the college football season always last the longest. Baseball is the only survivor of the four major sports throughout the majority of summer, leaving us restless for fall weather and football. This year we’ll be greeted with quite the matchup as the Michigan Wolverines head to Notre Dame Stadium to take on the Fighting Irish.

Both Brian Kelly of Notre Dame and Jim Harbaugh of Michigan have their fair share of supporters and critics throughout their respective fan bases, giving this game plenty of meaning for players, coaches, and fans alike. This game in particular is shaping up to be an intriguing contest as these two programs are far off from where they were when they last met in 2014.

Michigan currently owns the series lead at 24-16-1, but the matchups have gone both ways as of late. However, the rivalry has simmered down over the past few years. Here’s how to watch it catch fire again this weekend.

Date: Saturday, Sep. 1
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: South Bend, Ind.
Venue: Notre Dame Stadium
TV: NBC
Live Stream: NBC.com

Keys to Victory

Ideally for the Irish, quarterback Brandon Wimbush looks like a revitalized pocket passer in his first game since being pulled from the Citrus Bowl. With that not guaranteed, the Irish will instead have to rely on a turnover-free game from Wimbush in addition to a strong showing from their inexperienced backfield. That, partnered with an electric atmosphere, should be enough to deliver Notre Dame a win.

Shea Patterson’s ability to function in a new offense will be a key factor in Michigan’s success. More so, Michigan’s defense will need to prove that they can play at the same level as last season. After leading the nation in pass defense last year, the Wolverines could pull this one off by limiting Wimbush through the air and honing in on defending the Notre Dame run game.

Betting Odds

Odds provided by Oddshark

Point Spread: Notre Dame -1.5
Over/Under: 46.5

Prediction

The atmosphere at Notre Dame stadium is hard to replicate, especially in the home opener. However, the Wolverines aren’t new to hostile environments. Regardless, look for Notre Dame to come out hot for their fans before sealing the deal in what should be a exhilarating game down to the final whistle.

Final Score: Michigan 23, Notre Dame 27