NCAAF Notre Dame News and Win Totals Odds to Consider

The 2024 college football season is right around the corner. It’s nothing that’s ever been seen. Conference realignment has created seismic changes in the landscape, and an expanded playoff also impacts the dynamic. 

While rosters have long since been set, there’s still some movement involving marquee teams throughout the country. Take the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, adding a very interesting player.

The Irish could be in the mix to earn a playoff berth this season, as are other usual contenders.

Buchner is Back

‘Quarterback’ Tyler Buchner is back with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, except this time around, he will be playing another position. Buchner has returned to South Bend as a walk-on, trying to make the team as a wide receiver.

He’s been at Notre Dame since January as part of the lacrosse team. Now, he is hoping to make his mark by catching the football rather than tossing it. 

Buchner was the starting quarterback to open Notre Dame’s 2022 season, but a shoulder injury sidelined him. However, after 10 games, he returned to help the Fighting Irish win a bowl game. Buichner lost a subsequent quarterback battle to Sam Hartman, then transferred to Tuscaloosa. 

A failed attempt to win the quarterback job with the Crimson Tide as well, Buchner has opted to try another position. He will be joined in the wideout room by Jordan Falson, another lax player. 

With Notre Dame’s over/under win total set at 10 this season, it’s difficult to endorse either side with certainty. It ended 10-3 a year ago, punctuated by a blowout of Oregon St. in the Sun Bowl. 

Going under (-120) is the way to go, as there’s once again some tough games on the schedule.

Notre Dame begins the season visiting Texas A&M in what’s essentially a primetime pick ‘em game, according to college football odds.

Here’s a look at three other prominent schools with their projected totals ahead of the season… 

Michigan Wolverines (Over/Under 9 Wins)

The departure of Jim Harbaugh (ran away to the Los Angeles Chargers) after a 15-0 season is a huge blow to the defending champions. This team, with new coach Sherrone Moore, also lost a ton of its core,  but still should be a top team in the newly-expanded Big Ten Conference 

With an over/under win number set at nine, as per college football regular-season win totals, that seems a bit low considering the schedule.

Take the over (-110) in this wager, though don’t expect another undefeated season or even for them to make the playoffs. 

Southern California Trojans (Over/Under 7 Wins)

Try the Southern California Trojans in the Big Ten Conference. traveling across the country to play road games in the immediate (and eventual) future. 

USC was  8-5, that ‘dismal’ record despite having eventual No. 1 overall draft choice Caleb Williams at quarterback. USC couldn’t muster a defense, and that did it in.

Seven is the over/under number associated with the Trojans this time around. That’s low at first glance, but if you look closer at the roster and schedule, it is making sense. 

Do not expect immediate success as USC adjusts to life in the Big Ten Conference, so under (-115) is the way to go.

Georgia Bulldogs (Over/Under 10½ Wins)

It’s strange times in Athens, as the Georgia Bulldogs aren’t entering the season as defending national champions. Georgia (13-1 last season) had won 29 games in a row before a loss to Alabama in the SEC title game cost it a berth in the playoffs. UGA took out its frustrations on an undermanned  Florida St. team, winning by 60 points in the Sugar Bowl.

With this season’s over/under win total set at 10½, that’s about normal with the Bulldogs. There’s few, if any, teams in the SEC (no longer East and West after expansion) which can run with the ‘Dawgs, and they have a reasonably favorable schedule this season. 

Go over 10½ (-115) as we envision there’s a rather large chip on Georgia’s collective shoulder.