ISD Game Predictions: Louisville

On to game No. 7.  The Irish are playing in their third prime-time game in a row, and their second on the road against an undefeated team.  Louisville is looking to continue their impressive ride under first-year head coach, Jeff Brohm.  Notre Dame is hoping to extend their win streak and grab another victory over an ACC opponent.  Which team will come out on top?  

Mike Frank

Notre Dame had a bad four minutes at the end of Ohio State, and then played a sloppy game against a spirited Duke team last weekend.  Isn’t it time for another good performance from this Irish squad?  

Louisville doesn’t have the D-line that Duke had, and I don’t think they have the defensive coaching that the Blue Devils have as well.  Louisville has some playmakers at the skill positions, but I think their offensive line is a bit suspect.  

The Irish have faced Jack Plummer a number of times already, and it hasn’t ended well for the veteran QB, and I don’t expect Saturday to much different.

Notre Dame plays a much cleaner game, and has the game in command the entire way.

Notre Dame 38, Louisville 17

Greg Flammang

This matchup is a prime trap game scenario, sandwiched in between the two tilts against Ohio State and Duke, plus the USC contest coming a week after. Louisville is the type of team that can burn you quickly, get the team in a hole and let college football weirdness take over. This is largely why I picked Louisville to beat Notre Dame in our pre-season predictions. 

However, as I surmised while explaining that pick later on Hit and Hustle, on game week it would be hard to pick against the Irish and that is the case today. 

It’s true I’m down on the Notre Dame offense going into the game; they aren’t as far along at wide receiver as I’d hoped or expected heading into the year, and now that position group is dealing with injuries, though the two Ja(y)dens are expected to play this weekend. 

But, Notre Dame’s defense is much better than I thought they would be prior to the year beginning. They held their two toughest opponents to 17 and 14 points the last two weekends, aren’t giving up explosive plays, and are ranked in the top five in passing efficiency defense. Makes it very hard to score enough points to trigger an upset. 

So with that, I’ve got Notre Dame grinding one out against the Cardinals, as Louisville is the type of team the Irish offensive line can really lean on, opening up what Notre Dame wants to do offensively. 

Notre Dame 31, Louisville 13

Christian McCollum

In possibly their most impressive outing of the season, the Irish blow the doors off the previously-unbeaten Cardinals right from the start and the game is never really close.

Audric Estime and Sam Hartman, along with Jayden Thomas, lead the offensive onslaught in the first half before giving way to youngsters like Jeremiyah Love and Jaden Greathouse after intermission.

For the third straight game Notre Dame's defense is borderline dominant with the secondary leading the way against Louisville.

Notre Dame 38, Louisville 17

Matt Freeman

Notre Dame's strength is the secondary and Jeff Brohm will want to toss it around. Look for Benjamin Morrison to show up as he records his second three interception game of his career. Sam Hartman also puts the ghosts of the 2022 game behind him. 

Notre Dame 35, Louisville 14

Jamie Uyeyama

Back to back night games on the road is a tough deal for any program. The crowd will be a factor and I think Louisville will have some moments because of that.

Unfortunately for them, moments are the best they'll do. Their defense gives up way too many explosive plays (122nd in receptions of 20+ yards) and that is against a bunch of offenses that aren't that explosive. Notre Dame is the best offense they'll have played this season and I see the Irish running game going off.

Notre Dame also has the best defense they've faced and Jack Plummer is not the kind of quarterback who is going to thrive against this Irish pass defense. I see him scrambling and throwing the ball up for grabs too often and even if they hit on a big play or two in the passing game, it won't be enough to keep it close.

Notre Dame 38, Louisville 20

Andrew Mentock

The game is a close, low-scoring affair through the first 45 minutes before Notre Dame pulls away in the final quarter. 

Sam Hartman returns to form and throws for more than 275 yards and at least two touchdowns now that Notre Dame is finally facing a pass defense that ranks outside the top 10. The Irish defense forces three turnovers. 

Notre Dame 30, Louisville 21