Notre Dame vs Pitt Game Predictions

The 14th-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish (6-2) will look to start building a winning streak when they host the Pittsburgh Panthers (2-5). Notre Dame is coming off a bye week, which followed a convincing win over arch-rival USC, who the Irish beat 48-20. Now Notre Dame will look to get a win over another rival in hopes of finishing the season on a strong note.

Where: Notre Dame Stadium (Notre Dame, Ind.)
When: Saturday - October 28th
Time: 3:30 PM ET
Network: NBC/Peacock
Line: Notre Dame -20.5, O/U: 45

IB has broken down the game all week and now it is time for the staff to make our predictions.

BRYAN DRISKELL, PUBLISHER

Prediction: Notre Dame 34, Pittsburgh 6

I know the storyline about this rivalry, with Pitt being a team that Irish fans believe always give Notre Dame a hard time. That was true in 2018, but the game before (2015) and after (2020) were both blowout wins. This matchup is the biggest mismatch between these two teams in quite some time. It's a contest that Notre Dame should dominate, and my thought is coming out of the break refreshed should be a positive for the Irish.

The biggest reason for my confidence that Notre Dame will win this game convincingly is because of the defense. Not only is Notre Dame playing defense at a high level right now (and has for most of the season), they are facing a Pitt offense that really, really struggles. I'll be surprised if Pitt is able to move the ball all that much against Notre Dame. Maybe a big pass play or two, but overall I expect the Irish to shut the Panther offense down.

I'm in a bit of a "believe it when I see it" mode when it comes to the Notre Dame offense. Yes, the receivers are healthy and the team has been able to rest up. I'm hoping the bye week was good for the offensive staff and they were able to find some answers, but I think this is more about capitalizing on the defensive dominance as opposed to the offense figuring things out. If they do, however, this game could be really, really fun for Irish fans.

RYAN ROBERTS, RECRUITING DIRECTOR

Prediction: Notre Dame 37, Pitt 13

The offense for Notre Dame is in serious need to find their identity coming out of the bye week. Look for them to try and get their passing game going against a solid Pitt secondary that has shown it can give up some plays. that should lead to the running game becoming more efficient.

Offensively Pitt is a mess. They don’t run the ball very well but make up for it by not throwing or blocking very well either. If Notre Dame can limit big plays, they have a chance to end this game early. Starting fast will be the key.

SEAN STIRES, STAFF WRITER

Prediction: Notre Dame 35, Pitt 10

Can Notre Dame’s offense get fully back on track against an ok Pittsburgh offense? The Panthers are solid against the run, with a No. 45 national ranking and allowing just 126 a game on the ground. Their linebackers have been banged-up and they gave up 172 yards on the ground in last week’s loss to Wake Forest. This game gives running back Audric Estime a chance to build on the 95-yard game he had against USC.

It also gives quarterback Sam Hartman the chance to get the vertical passing game going again. Pitt has always done a good job of taking away the short and intermediate pass game, but they’re vulnerable downfield with a No. 95 pass efficiency ranking. Notre Dame’s outside receivers need to be difference makers.

The other side of the ball should be dominated by the Irish. Pitt has the No. 112 rushing offense and No. 95 pass efficiency offense.

ANDREW MCDONOUGH, IB CONTRIBUTOR

Prediction: Notre Dame 34, Pitt 10

The Fighting Irish cruise to a comfortable win against a physical but overmatched Pittsburgh team. The Panthers showed some signs of life in QB Christian Veilleux's first game at the helm in an upset victory over Louisville, but the offense was again lifeless in a road loss to Wake Forest last weekend. The biggest problem for Pittsburgh on offense this season has been the inability to consistently run the football. The Panthers rank 114th in the country in rushing, averaging just 3.40 YPC, and that is a recipe for disaster against the Fighting Irish defense, which ranks 12th in the nation. Notre Dame will be able to consistently keep Pitt behind the sticks, and the Panthers rank 91st in the country in third down conversions.

On the other side of the ball, the bye week should have helped Notre Dame get healthy at wide receiver. However, Notre Dame should not just expect to line up and throw it deep, as the Panthers have a pretty solid pass defense ranking 27th in the country. Notre Dame needs to lean on it's offensive line to establish the line of scrimmage early, opening up the play action pass over the top. In the end, this one may be close for a quarter, but as long as Notre Dame is the more physical team on Saturday, the Irish will be able to get their playmakers in space and move to 7-2.

STAFF RESULTS

Andrew - 26-6
Bryan - 23-9
Sean - 21-11
Ryan - 19-13
Vince - 15-10

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