Sporting News: Expect A Convincing Notre Dame Bowl Victory

Sporting News writer Bill Bender believes the Irish will have an impressive victory over Iowa State

Bryan Driskell | Dec 14, 2019

Sporting News: Expect A Convincing Notre Dame Bowl Victory /

Notre Dame is currently just a 3.5-point Camping World Bowl favorite over Iowa State, which was a bit surprising considering the 10-2 record sported by the Irish and the 7-5 record by the Cyclones.

Dig deeper and you will understand, as Iowa State's four losses to Top 25 opponents were by a combined 11 points. Bowl predictions are starting to roll in, and thus far the expectation from analysts is that Notre Dame will more than cover that spread.

ESPN predicted an eight point victory, but Sporting News national college football writer Bill Bender believes the Irish victory will be even more convincing. Bender predicted Notre Dame to win by two touchdowns.

The Irish were 7-3 against the spread as a favorite this season and covered in each of their last four games. They can complete a 11-win season by knocking off the Cyclones, who are 19-8 against the spread as an underdog with coach Matt Campbell. This could be one of the more entertaining games, but we're sticking with the Irish.

Bender's final score prediction was Notre Dame 40, Iowa State 26.

Eight Notre Dame opponents earned bowl bids this season, and Bender predicted the Irish opponents would go 4-4. Louisville, Georgia, USC and Navy will gets wins while Virginia Tech, Virginia, Michigan and Boston College will suffer bowl defeats.

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Published Dec 14, 2019

BRYAN DRISKELL

Bryan Driskell is the publisher of Irish Breakdown and has been covering Notre Dame football for over a decade. A former college football player and coach, Bryan and Irish Breakdown bring a level of expertise and analysis that is unmatched. From providing in depth looks at the Fighting Irish, breaking news stories and honest recruiting analysis, Irish Breakdown has everything Notre Dame football fans want and need. Bryan was previous a football analyst for Blue & Gold Illustrated before launching Irish Breakdown. He coached college football at Duquesne University, Muhlenberg College, Christopher Newport University, Wittenberg University and Defiance College. During his coaching career he was a pass game coordinator, recruiting coordinator, quarterbacks coach, running backs coach and wide receivers coach. Bryan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Salisbury University, where he played quarterback for the Sea Gulls. You can email Bryan at bryan@irishbreakdown.com. Become a premium Irish Breakdown member, which grants you access to all of our premium content and our premium message board! Click on the link below for more. BECOME A MEMBER Be sure to stay locked into Irish Breakdown all the time! Follow Bryan on Twitter: @CoachD178Like and follow Irish Breakdown on FacebookSubscribe to the Irish Breakdown YouTube channelSubscribe to the Irish Breakdown podcast on iTunes Sign up for the FREE Irish Breakdown daily newsletter