Each week we’ll look at who Notre Dame’s opponents are playing against and how they’re progressing through the season.
Texas
After defeating Notre Dame, Texas faces the mighty UTEP Miners. This game will be easy to miss since it’s at 7 PM on the Longhorn Network. Texas is a 30 point favorite.
Michigan State
State scored consistently (7 points in each quarter) against the inferior competition of Furman Paladins and will not play another game until week 3 when the travel to South Bend.
Duke
Duke Obliterated North Carolina Central Eagles 49 – 6 but turned the ball over 5 times. In week 2, Duke takes on Wake Forest and is a 5 point favorite. The game is at 3:30 PM on Saturday. Wake Forest was victorious in week 1 but only scored 7 points vs Tulane. Surprisingly Duke is only a 5 point favorite.
Syracuse
Syracuse is coming off a week 1 victory over Colgate 33 – 7 where Dungey passed for 355 yards and 2 TDs. Their leading receiver, Amba Etta-Tawo caught 12 passes for 210 yards and 1 TD. This week, the Orange have a formidable opponent as they host #13 Louisville. The Orange are 15 point dogs in this Friday night matchup. Tune in at 8 PM on ESPN2 to catch the game.
NC State
NC State rolled their FCS opponent with a total of 521 yards of offense and a score of 48 – 14. On Saturday at noon NC State visits East Carolina where they are favored by 6 points. In East Carolina’s opener (also against FCS opponent) they totaled 688 yards of offense.
Stanford
Stanford defeated Kansas State 26 – 13 while only obtaining 272 yards of offense. They have a bye in week 2 before beginning a grueling 3-game stretch.
Miami
Miami was another of Notre Dame’s opponents to open the season with an FCS opponent and they’ll do the same in weeks 2 and 3. They did score 70 points against FAMU and are only a 24 point favorite against FAU in week 2.
Navy
Navy lost their starting QB for the season but still managed to score 52 points against Fordham. Week 2 will be a solid test for the Mids as they host UCONN. The Midshipmen are favored in this week 2 matchup by 4 points. But it will be interesting to see how they manage with the new starting quarterback.
Army
Army overcame all odds (15 point dog) and defeated Temple 28 – 13. In week 2, they face Rice and are favored by 9 in this matchup. Army defeated Temple while only passing for 15 yards. They did rush for 329 yards.
Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech was victorious in week 1 against an FCS opponent. Although not favored in their week 2 matchup against Tennessee, the struggles that the Volunteers had against App St. does bode well for the Hokies. Nonetheless, Tennessee is favored by 12 points.
USC
After a mostly competitive first half against Bama, USC did fall to the Tide 6 – 52. In week 2 the Trojans have a simpler task with the Utah State Aggies. USC is favored by 16 points.
Other Games of Note
In week 1 there were a handful of great games. Week 2 doesn’t offer the same generosity. #15 TCU vs Arkansas has the lowest spread at 7.5 points out of all top 25 matchups. This is a good Saturday to get odd jobs done around the house. Score some brownie points with your wife/girlfriend because in the coming weeks you won’t have that opportunity.