South Carolina Predicted To Beat Notre Dame By ESPN, Sporting News

In the predictions leading into the bowl games both ESPN and Sporting News predicted South Carolina to upset Notre Dame

Notre Dame is now 15 days away from its Gator Bowl matchup against South Carolina, but despite being the betting favorites the Irish are being predicted to lose the game according to two major outlets.

The Fighting Irish are currently two-point favorites over the Gamecocks, but ESPN and Sporting News are both predicting Notre Dame to lose the contest. Quarterback is the primary reason Bill Bender of Sporting News believes the Irish will fall short.

"Drew Pyne is out, and Tyler Buchner is back at quarterback for the Irish. Notre Dame is catching a South Carolina team that caught fire at the end of the season. Quarterback Spencer Rattler plans on playing in the bowl game, and that security at the most-important position gives the Gamecocks an edge. South Carolina has covered in four of their last five games as an underdog." - Bender, SN

The quarterback situation was part of Adam Rittenberg's (ESPN) analysis as well, as was South Carolina's hot finish to the season.

"This feels like a fairly big game for Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman, who lost his debut in the Fiesta Bowl last year. After starting quarterback Drew Pyne entered the transfer portal, the Irish could turn to opening game QB1 Tyler Buchner, who is back from injury, or reserves Steve Angeli and Ron Powlus III. South Carolina comes in hot after wins over Tennessee and Clemson, and both squads excel on special teams. It's hard to pick against Shane Beamer's crew right now, and they win on a field goal." - Rittenberg, ESPN

Rittenberg is spot on in his comment about this being a fairly big game for Coach Freeman and Notre Dame. The Irish need to regain the momentum it lost in the regular season finale to Southern Cal. A win will allow the Irish to go into the season with nine wins and as winners of six of the final seven games. That would be an important confidence builder, and momentum builder for the Irish as they head into Freeman's second season.

Irish Breakdown Fans be sure to get your Notre Dame tickets from SI Tickets HERE

Be sure to check out the Irish Breakdown message board, the Champions Lounge

Irish Breakdown Content

Notre Dame 2022 Roster
Notre Dame 2022 Schedule

Notre Dame 2023 Class Big Board
Notre Dame 2023 Commits Board - Offense
Notre Dame 2023 Commits Board - Defense

Notre Dame 2023 Scholarship Offers
Notre Dame 2024 Scholarship Offers

Ranking The 2022 Signees - Offense
Ranking The 2022 Signees - Defense

———————

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!

Join the Irish Breakdown community!
Subscribe to the Irish Breakdown YouTube channel
Subscribe to the Irish Breakdown podcast on iTunes
Follow me on Twitter: @CoachD178
Follow me on Gettr: @IrishBreakdown
Like and follow Irish Breakdown on Facebook

Sign up for the FREE Irish Breakdown daily newsletter