Best Bet 8/31/2025

Notre Dame(-2.5) @ Miami

DK -105

FD -115

CFB Best Bet Season Record: 4-5-0

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Notre Dame is returning 11 starters, 5 on offense, 6 on defense. What's incredibly impactful is that Jeremiyah Love and 3 of the starting offensive lineman make up 4 of the 5 returning starters. Their 6 defensive players returning aren't Xavier Watts caliber, but they were part of an awesome group that held Ohio State to 24 in the title game.

Miami is returning 3 starters on offense, 3 of their lineman, and only 5 on defense, but at least it's 2 defensive lineman and 2 corners. Mario Cristobal is a solid coach as well. I do think Miami will be a contender in the ACC. I don't think that's enough to overcome a strong Notre Dame team.

I think the biggest difference will be sophomore Notre Dame QB CJ Carr. CJ Carr is a better thrower of the football than Riley Leonard was so there will likely a more dynamic passing attack from the Fighting Irish, which will create more light boxes for Jeremiyah Love. I also think that a big difference in the game will be Miami having to figure out their new offense with Carson Beck against a Marcus Freeman defense. All in all, Notre Dame is looking like the best bet.

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