ISD Game Predictions: California

It’s Friday again, and that means game prediction time once again.  The 2-0 California Bears team comes into Notre Dame Stadium hoping to duplicate what Marshall did just last weekend--upset the Irish.  Notre Dame is still looking for their first win of the season.  Which team comes out on top on Saturday?

Mike Frank

I think this game will come down to turnovers again, and that could be a bad sign for the Irish.  Notre Dame hasn’t created a single turnover all year, and gave up three just last week.  I’m concerned with how Drew Pyne protects the football on Saturday.  If he does, the Irish should win.  If he doesn’t, we could be in for another nail-biter.  

It won’t be a pretty win, but someone how the Irish come out on top despite another disappointing game on offense.  

Notre Dame 17, Cal 13

Matt Freeman

It's the academic bowl as two great universities will meet on the football field on Saturday afternoon for some fun in the sun. 

Could it be a preview of what Notre Dame football looks like in the future if the Irish don't join a conference? 

Despite the lows to start the season, Notre Dame has a good idea of what Cal quarterback Jack Plummer can and can't do, which gives them an advantage. But can the Irish offense score enough to beat the Golden Bears? 

Drew Pyne gives a spark in the first half and it will be enough for the Irish to hang on after a late stop as Brandon Joseph gets his first interception of the season. 

Notre Dame 17, Cal 10

Andrew Mentock

I don't expect Notre Dame to suddenly have a prolific offense, but I do expect them to run the ball more consistently and score a season-high 27 points this weekend. 

I also expect the defense to show signs of improving and hold a below-average Cal offense to one touchdown and a field goal or two.

Notre Dame 27, Cal 10

Christian McCollum

I think the Irish win and cover the point spread.

Drew Pyne has his ups and downs, but together with Tommy Rees, there are far more ups than downs and he proves capable of winning games for the Irish.

The jury is still out on the ceiling of Pyne and the offense overall after just one game, but the early returns are positive with a balanced passing and rushing attack against the Golden Bears.

The defense looks better, but again, we'll find out how much better when they face North Carolina in Chapel Hill in a week.

Notre Dame 27, Cal 13

Jamie Uyeyama

The way Notre Dame performed last week shouldn't give me confidence in picking the Irish, but one thing does: Mike Frank will be back on the post-game show and there is no way he is going to be there after another Irish loss.

That and Manti Te'o coming back should make my prediction ND by a million, but realistically they aren't turning things around that quickly. 

I think Drew Pyne will surprise some people with a good, but not flashy game. I think Tommy Rees will be motivated to try and shove it back in the face of all of the critics. I also think the offensive line will be better than it has been.

Sparked by a big game from Chris Tyree and Notre Dame's defense being stout against a bad Cal offense, the Irish get their first win of the season and cover as well.

Notre Dame 24, Cal 13