The Music City Bowl features a reeling Notre Dame squad that allows 29+ ppg, VS a LSU team allowing only 16.4 ppg. Over the last 7 games ND has allowed an AVERAGE of 41 ppg, and at least 31. Granted several of those teams score plenty, but Northwestern hung 43 on them. Golston has been erratic, Malik Zaire gets the start, and who knows how Kelly will alternate them.
As for the LSU defense, in their final 5 games they have allowed 20 or less per game. Texas A&M scored 45 today but only 17 at home against the LSU defense. Alabama could muster only 20, Arkansas 17. They allow just over 300 yds per game , and over the last 6 games just 2 got to that number (Alabama 315, Mississippi 313). Notre Dame has shown an ability to score, but that was against defenses far inferior to the one they face today. And with the uncertainty at the QB position that doesn't bode well for the Irish offense.
Offensively LSU averages almost 220 ypg rushing at 4.5 a pop. They are going to pound the football against a soft Irish defense. Over the last 5 games teams have run all over them. LSU doesn't ask a lot of their QBs, and they have struggled at times. But against this defense, they shouldn't have to. Notre Dame will be overly conscious of the run game, which should lead to effective play action passing.
LSU is the superior team, and I see a game similar to the Arkansas dismantling of Texas. LSU is the more physical team and will wear down Notre Dame en route to at least a 2 TD margin. Lay the points with LSU. I will also put a smaller amount on the Under 53. LSU will run the ball and grind clock, as they have played to the UNDER in their last 5 games.
LSU 30
Notre Dame 13
As for the LSU defense, in their final 5 games they have allowed 20 or less per game. Texas A&M scored 45 today but only 17 at home against the LSU defense. Alabama could muster only 20, Arkansas 17. They allow just over 300 yds per game , and over the last 6 games just 2 got to that number (Alabama 315, Mississippi 313). Notre Dame has shown an ability to score, but that was against defenses far inferior to the one they face today. And with the uncertainty at the QB position that doesn't bode well for the Irish offense.
Offensively LSU averages almost 220 ypg rushing at 4.5 a pop. They are going to pound the football against a soft Irish defense. Over the last 5 games teams have run all over them. LSU doesn't ask a lot of their QBs, and they have struggled at times. But against this defense, they shouldn't have to. Notre Dame will be overly conscious of the run game, which should lead to effective play action passing.
LSU is the superior team, and I see a game similar to the Arkansas dismantling of Texas. LSU is the more physical team and will wear down Notre Dame en route to at least a 2 TD margin. Lay the points with LSU. I will also put a smaller amount on the Under 53. LSU will run the ball and grind clock, as they have played to the UNDER in their last 5 games.
LSU 30
Notre Dame 13
