As the college football season heats up, one of the most intriguing matchups of the weekend will take place at Yankee Stadium, where the Army Black Knights will face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Both teams have been performing exceptionally well this season, but with different strengths on display. If you’re looking to place a bet on this game, here’s an in-depth breakdown to help you make an informed wager.

Betting Overview:

The Army Black Knights enter this matchup with a perfect 9-0 record, and they’ve proven to be a force on the field, particularly with their dominant rushing attack. Army ranks first in the nation for rushing yards per game, averaging 334.9 yards, and they’ve scored 35 touchdowns on the ground this season. In their last game, Army showed their power by rushing 64 times for 293 yards in a 14-3 win against North Texas.

In terms of betting, Army has been a reliable team to back this season. With their ball-control offense and strong defense, they’ve kept games close, including a stingy defense that allows just 10.3 points per game—ranking them second in the country. Their ability to dominate the time of possession makes them a solid bet to cover a spread, especially as 14-point underdogs in this matchup against Notre Dame.

Notre Dame, on the other hand, comes into this game with a 9-1 record, boasting a well-balanced team that’s strong on both offense and defense. The Fighting Irish average 38.0 points per game and 415.7 total yards. Their rushing attack is also a key part of their game plan, averaging 216.7 yards per game. In their recent win over Virginia, they ran for 234 yards on 38 carries, and they’re likely to continue relying on the run against Army.

Defensively, Notre Dame ranks third in the nation, allowing just 11.4 points per game. Their ability to stop both the run and the pass makes them a tough matchup for Army, but the big question for bettors is whether they can cover the 14-point spread. Army’s defense has been exceptional this year, allowing just 82.6 yards per game on the ground, which could pose a challenge for Notre Dame’s ground game.

Key Betting Factors:

1. Army’s Run Game vs. Notre Dame’s Defense: Army’s ground game has been unstoppable this season, and Notre Dame’s defense will need to step up to stop them. The key to this game for bettors is how well Notre Dame can disrupt Army’s run-heavy offense. If Army can continue to control the clock and avoid passing situations, they should be able to keep the game close, making Army +14 a solid wager.
2. Notre Dame’s Balanced Attack: While Army is known for its rushing attack, Notre Dame’s offense is much more balanced, with both a strong ground game and effective passing attack. If Notre Dame can execute its offense efficiently, they could run away with the game. However, if Army’s defense holds strong and limits Notre Dame’s offensive production, Army +14 may be the safer bet.
3. Total Points (Over/Under 44.5): The total for this game is set at 44.5 points. Given Army’s tendency to control the clock with their ground game and Notre Dame’s excellent defense, this game could feature fewer points than expected. If you’re considering the total, the under might be a wise pick, especially with Army’s tendency to drain the clock and limit possessions.

Betting Prediction:

Despite Notre Dame’s strong performance this season, Army has the tools to keep this game within 14 points. The Black Knights’ ball-control offense and stellar defense should prevent the Fighting Irish from running away with the game. Army has shown they can compete with top teams, and with their defense limiting scoring opportunities, they should be able to cover the 14-point spread.

For those looking to place a bet on this game, Army +14 presents good value. Their ability to control the game with their rushing attack and defense makes them a solid underdog bet, especially considering the point spread.

Final Pick: Army +14.0

This game has all the makings of a hard-fought, low-scoring contest. With Army’s ability to control the ball and Notre Dame’s stingy defense, this game is expected to stay close. Bet on Army to cover the spread and keep it within two touchdowns.