Last week the Notre Dame Irish got pounded by Georgia Tech 33-3 for their worst season-opening loss in the history of the program. In the loss the Irish were held to just 122 total yards of offense with forced Head Coach Charlie Weis to make a QB change in the fourth quarter going to freshman Jimmy Clausen. Clausen completed 4 of 6 passes for 34 yards. In addition Notre Dame's inexperienced offensive line yielded eight sacks as the Irish were held to minus-eight yards rushing.
The 14th-ranked Nittany Lions come into this one off a route of Florida International, 59-0, for Joe Paterno's 38th career shutout. Senior QB Anthony Morelli enjoyed the best day of his career, completing 23-of-38 passes for 295 yards and three touchdowns. Morelli set a school record by passing for 231 yards in the first half. The Penn State defense also contributed to the rout recording seven sacks and forcing five turnovers.
As most know, Notre Dame is in a major rebuilding mode and trying to stay with Penn State in this one will be a challenge for the undermanned Irish. This will also be their first road game of the season. Over their last three games counting back to last season Notre Dame has lost by a combined 118-41. In addition, Penn State will be looking for revenge from last seasons 41-17 pasting at the hands of the Irish.
Notre Dame will be trying to avoid it's first 0-2 start since 2001 but are only 3-9 ATS in road openers. One saving grace might be that Penn State is only 4-10-1 ATS versus non-conference BCS Teams. There are a lot of points on the table here as the smart money has pushed it from an opening 14 to it's current 17 1/2. It's too dangerous right now to side with ND no matter what the points. So if you must Take Penn State.
Click here to view all of Michael Alexander's premium picks.
Social Bookmarking
