Ohio State vs. Notre Dame picks, predictions: Week 4 college football odds, spread, lines

Expert picks and predictions for Ohio State vs. Notre Dame in this epic Week 4 college football game

One of the most highly-anticipated games of the early season schedule is set to kick off this weekend as No. 6 Ohio State takes it on the road against No. 9 Notre Dame in college football's Week 4 action on Saturday.

The game is a rematch of last season's opener, then also between a pair of ranked teams, with the Buckeyes prevailing in a 21-10 decision on the way to making the College Football Playoff, and this year's game figures to once again have a direct impact on what the final four semifinal could look like.

Sam Hartman has revitalized the Fighting Irish offensive attack as the Wake Forest transfer quarterback has passed for 1,061 yards with 13 touchdowns with no turnovers, while tailback Audric Estime has eclipsed 500 yards rushing and five scores.

Ohio State's offense is still finding its identity, though quarterback Kyle McCord is coming off an efficient performance in a rout over Western Kentucky, and while the Buckeyes boast arguably college football's premier receiving corps, they also present a formidable challenge running the ball.

What do the experts think of the matchup? Let's see how the College Football Power Index computer prediction model projects the game.

Ohio State vs. Notre Dame picks, predictions

Ohio State vs. Notre Dame picks, predictions / USA Today Images

Ohio State odds: The computers project a strong showing from the Buckeyes, who have the 65.8 percent chance to win outright on the road, according to the computer model that picks winners by simulating games 20,000 times.

Notre Dame odds: Conversely, the Fighting Irish have a 34.2 percent chance to defend home turf and pull off the upset, according to the latest simulations.

Point spread: Ohio State comes into the game as close 3.5 point favorites against Notre Dame, according to the lines at SI Sportsbook.

Total: 53.5 points

Moneyline: Ohio State -175, Notre Dame +138

Ohio State predictions: Last week's win nudged the Buckeyes up 1 spot on the index's 133 football rankings to the No. 1 position nationally, based on projections that the team is 27.7 points better than an average opponent, projected to win 11.2 games with a 54.6 percent shot at making the College Football Playoff, based on the simulations.

Notre Dame predictions: Down 3 spots this week despite staying perfect, the Irish are estimated to be 19.7 points better than an average opponent and the index predicts that ND will win 9.7 games this season, with an 11.9 percent shot to make the CFP.

Ohio State vs. Notre Dame schedule

When: Sat., Sept. 23
Where: Notre Dame, Ind.
Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern
TV: NBC network
Stream live: fuboTV (Try for free)

College Football Power Index

Football Power Index (FPI) college football rankings and computer prediction model are a measure of team strength that predicts a team’s future performance.

Rankings and scores predictions are based on 20,000 simulations of a team’s season and games, using a combination of key analytics, including scores to date, quality of opponents, team talent, recruiting, and a team’s schedule.

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College football rankings

A closer look at the AP top 25

First-place votes in parentheses

1. Georgia (57)
2. Michigan (2)
3. Texas (3)
4. Florida State (1)
5. USC
6. Ohio State
7. Penn State
8. Washington
9. Notre Dame
10. Oregon
11. Utah
12. LSU
13. Alabama
14. Oregon State
15. Ole Miss
16. Oklahoma
17. North Carolina
18. Duke
19. Colorado
20. Miami
21. Washington State
22. UCLA
23. Tennessee
24. Iowa
25. Florida

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