The Notre Dame Fighting Irish finished with an amazing 10-1 record through the regular season. Their only loss came in the form of a regular-season loss to the Clemson Tigers, who beat them 34-10. In the last game they played, they faced the Alabama Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoffs Semi-Final. The Fighting Irish could fight off the offensive prowess of the Rolling Tide and lost, 31-14.
This year, Notre Dame comes in with big goals, and the odds seem to be favoring them. They have no conference to win, unfortunately, because they’d likely be a favorite. This is because they’re one of the FBS Independent teams but can still find themselves in the playoffs if chosen. With Head Coach Brian Kelly, just getting to the playoffs wasn’t enough. Looking to lead his team deep into the College Football Playoffs and beyond, let’s go over what we should expect.
2021 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Futures Betting Odds
Notre Dame Fighting Irish National Championship Odds: +4000
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Win Totals Odds: Over 9 (+100) Under 9 (-125)
The Fighting Irish currently rank in the top ten of all teams with chances to win the National Championship. This gives us a pretty distinct nod that even Vegas believes Notre Dame will be back in the CFB Playoffs. With a nearly perfect record, save one loss to the Clemson Tigers, the Fighting Irish could’ve been a favorite last year. Unfortunately, they had to face the Crimson Tide in the semi-final.
This year, the Fighting Irish have a fantastic schedule, one that could easily see Notre Dame going undefeated. They rivaled the Ohio State Buckeyes in terms of best-recruiting class as well, so Notre Dame is in great shape in 2021. Remember, Notre Dame went over their expected win total last year as well. With sportsbooks setting their win total at 9, bettors can capitalize on what could be a perfect season for Notre Dame.
2021 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Offseason Grade: B+
Key Additions: (ILB, Niuafe Tuihalamaka), (OLB, Joshua Burnham), (OC, Joey Tanona), (DE, Tyson Ford)
Key Departures: (LB, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah), (QB, Ian Book), (OT, Liam Eichenberg), (OL, Aaron Banks)
The Fighting Irish have set themselves up for success this year with a strong recruiting class. Unfortunately, they lost starting quarterback Ian Book to the NFL Draft this year. With their signal-caller gone, questions are lingering before the start of the season. Book was the winningest quarterback in Notre Dame history; his absence leaves a hole in the offense. They were able to secure a future quarterback in Steven Angeli, but he’ll likely be red-shirted.
Notre Dame will also be without three of their best starting offensive linemen, who were all selected in the draft. The good news for fans, though, is that Notre Dame knows how to create a strong offensive line. They secured Center Joey Tanona, whose 6’5 frame will help shore up the offensive line in 2021.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Preview 2021
With their former starting quarterback headed to the New Orleans Saints, some might’ve lost faith in the Fighting Irish. However, they have a very generous schedule heading into 2021 and have the potential to go undefeated. Even with a new face at quarterback, Notre Dame knows exactly how to make it an easier learning curve. Look for them to lean heavily on RB Kyren Williams this season.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Futures Best Bets
The number one bet you should be looking to take is the over 9 game win total. The Fighting Irish have a chance to go undefeated this year, much like they nearly did in 2020. Down the line, Notre Dame could potentially be a great National Champion pick too. This pick would be dependant on them ironing out the quarterback situation.
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