Ohio State struggled to cover spreads early this season but is 4-2 against the spread over its last six games. Conversely, Notre Dame started 6-1 ATS, then finished 2-3. In a matchup of two storied Midwestern football programs, the Buckeyes meet the Irish in the Fiesta Bowl on New Year’s Day.
Fiesta Bowl point spread: The Buckeyes opened as six-point favorites, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark. (Line updates and matchup report)
College football pick, via Odds Shark computer: 39.4-30.7 Buckeyes
Why the Fighting Irish can cover the spread
Notre Dame opened 4-0 this season, even after losing starting quarterback Malik Zaire for the season to an ankle injury in Week 2. The Irish then lost at eventual CFP qualifier Clemson 24-22, missing on a two-point conversion in the final seconds. Notre Dame bounced back to win six games in a row, knocking off Navy, USC and Temple, among others, playing itself back into national championship consideration, but then lost the season finale at Stanford on a field goal at the buzzer 38-36.
Notre Dame outgained the Cardinal 533-422 and outrushed them 299-153, but an unfortunate facemask penalty helped put Stanford in position for its game-winning kick. Still, with the cover as four-point dogs, the Irish are now 3-0 ATS this season when getting points.
Notre Dame is 3-2 in bowls under head coach Brian Kelly, after upsetting LSU in the Music City Bowl last year 31-28.
Why the Buckeyes can cover the…
Continue Reading: Fiesta Bowl Betting: Notre Dame vs. Ohio State Odds, Analysis and Pick
