Notre Dame Football: 3 bold predictions for Irish vs. Alabama

1. Notre Dame covers the spread

For the last two weeks Notre Dame has heard that they its a fraud. That that it does not belong in the playoffs — that the Alabama Crimson Tide are going to destroy the Irish.

The coaching staff has been telling the players this all the time leading up to the game. Just drilling this into their heads. Dabo Sweeney has used this trick for years and it has worked to provide motivation.

The Notre Dame team that we saw all year long did not show up for the majority of the ACC Championship game. That was clearly put on display for every one to see. But the Irish will show up with fight, grit, intensity to prove they do belong in the Rose Bowl.

The running game did not show up in the ACC Championship, but Notre Dame does have the talent up front on the offensive line and in the backfield.

Notre Dame’s ability to run the ball is going to be huge in two ways. Running the ball helps control time of possession for the Irish and moving the ball. And also helps keeps Alabama’s explosive offensive weapons off the field and on the sidelines.

Notre Dame’s defense is still a good unit too. Minus the second matchup against Clemson the defense all year long have stepped up when needed. Clark Lea and the leaders of the Irish defense will bring the juice to keep Notre Dame in the game.

A lot of people in the media are already putting Alabama in the National Championship. As an Irish player, or coach you should love to hear that.

This is a huge spread. Notre Dame can move the ball and get back to running the ball successfully. If the Irish can avoid the big play they should not only be able to cover the spread, but put some fear in Alabama fans who already have booked travel plans to Miami for the National Championship game.