College Football Playoff Semi-Finals Penn State Nittany Lions vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Odds, Tip, Predictions-01-09-25

Notre Dame and Penn State are physical, smash-mouth football teams who win with defense.  Both defenses have sustained significant injuries but will still play at an elite level in this game. Quarterback is a position that’s always huge, but in this game, it becomes even more magnified; which quarterback will make the plays swing the game? Notre Dame Quarterback Riley Leonard is a threat to run, and he is accurate on short passes, but can he stretch the field? Penn State QB Drew Allar has improved this season, but his accuracy and ball placement are still of concern.

Penn State Nittany Lions vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish

• Point Spread: Notre Dame -1.5
• Moneyline Penn State +100
• Moneyline Notre Dame -120
• Over/Under 45.5

The Notre Dame defence ranks in the top ten in all but one category: rush defense, where they rank 32 overall. That being said, Indiana and Georgis were held to 125 yards on 55 attempts. The Irish have overcome the loss of standout Rylie Mills.

Penn State’s defense is elite. The Nittany Lions dominated both SMU and Boise State in their first two playoff games. Can they do the same to Notre Dame? The Irish have had three different rushing leaders over the last three games.

Turnovers and field position will be deciding factors in this game, a rock fight between two physical teams. Questions exist about James Franklin’s ability to beat top 5 teams, and this is his shot at proving everybody wrong; Notre Dame Head Coach Marcus Freeman has the Irish in a position to win their first national Championship in over a quarter century. The Irish are seldom penalized and have dominated almost every team they have played this season. Will Abdul Carter be able to go tonight? If he can’t, it could cause major issues for the Nittany Lions.

Penn State vs Notre Dame Moneyline

Moneyline value exists on Both teams, and I think the Irish are the best moneyline bet, and in a game that looks to be razor close, I think Moneyline is the way to go.  To find the best line, you need accounts with multiple sportsbooks, and we got you covered as we break down the best sports betting app

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4.5/5

Tip: Bet Notre Dame ML

• Nittany Lions explosive on the ground
• Allar will struggle
• Both teams dominant in the trenches

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Penn State vs Notre Dame Over/Under Analysis

I don’t expect a high-scoring game in this one, as both teams like to take their time and grind on each other. Both teams have issues throwing the ball and both teams have dominant defenses, bet the under.

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet the Under 45.5

• Expect grind it out game
• turnovers will be key
• Can Riley leonard stretch the field?

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This game will be a rock fight and field position may be the determining factor in this game. Both teams are well-coached, and turnover will be even bigger in deciding this game than usual. I think Leonard makes some noise with his feet and the Irish Special teams wins the game at the end. Notre Dame 20 Penn State 17

Bet Notre Dame ML