Notre Dame-Syracuse Prediction

This should be Notre Dame's easiest game of the season, as Syracuse is one of the worst teams in Division I-A. It sports the 114th best offense in the country, and the 97th best run defense in the country. It does have the 6th best pass defense in the country, however, here are some of the powerhouse passing attacks it has faced: West Virginia (113th in the nation in passing), Buffalo (101st in the nation in passing), Virginia (77th in the nation in passing), Connecticut (107th in the nation in passing), Rutgers (59th in the nation in passing), Pittsburgh (74th in the nation in passing), Cincinnati (87th in passing) and South Florida (112th in the nation in passing). The only good passing attack it has faced all year is Florida State (18th in the nation in passing), and they threw for 396 yards against Syracuse. Hence, the Syracuse secondary should not pose much of a test for Brady Quinn and company. That being said, I would be surprised if Notre Dame throws a lot of passes tomorrow because Syracuse's run defense is so bad that running the ball should net as many yards as passing the ball would. Unless all 22 Notre Dame starters break their leg tomorrow, Syracuse does not have a prayer tomorrow. In fact, I'll be worried if Brady Quinn plays into the 4th quarter. We should see plenty of Marty Mooney and other seniors who have been riding the pine all season tomorrow. It will be a nice way to wrap up another home football season.

Notre Dame 49 Syracuse 13