2009 Notre Dame College Football Odds - Irish 22-1 in BCS Odds

There is a lot of publicity surrounding Notre Dame heading into the 2009 season, mainly because the Irish have an easy schedule in sports odds. Because of that schedule and because they return a lot of starters, Notre Dame is listed at 22-1 in college football odds to win the 2009 BCS national championship. The Irish return a lot of talent in 2009 led by quarterback Jimmy Clausen. He threw for 3,172 yards and 25 touchdowns last year, completing over 60% of his passes. Head coach Charlie Weis is counting on Clausen to be even better this season and avoid some of the mistakes he made a year ago.

The running game is deep, although not that special. The Irish have Armando Allen, Robert Hughes, James Aldridge, Jonas Gray and freshmen Cierre Wood and Theo Riddick. The receiving corps at Notre Dame is pretty good led by Golden Tate and Michael Floyd. They combined for over 100 catches last year. Duval Kamara, Robby Parris, John Goodman and Deion Walker give the Irish more depth. Tight end Kyle Rudolph is back as well. The offensive line continues to improve for Notre Dame but it still isn’t great. The holes are just not that big for the runners although the pass protection for Clausen is better. Sam Young, Paul Duncan, Dan Wenger, Eric Olsen, Chris Stewart and Trevor Robinson all return.

The defense as it applies to college football odds is a question mark. The defensive line has Ethan Johnson, Ian Williams, and redshirt freshmen Kapron Lewis-Moore and Hafis Williams to go along with Kerry Neal and Morrice Richardson. The linebacking corps is very good led by junior Brian Smith. Toryan Smith, Darius Fleming and youngsters Steve Filer and Zeke Motta will get playing time along with Scott Smith and the big recruit Manti Te'o. The secondary is also very good at Notre Dame. The cornerback situation is strong with Raeshon McNeil, Robert Blanton and Darrin Walls. Harrison Smith and Kyle McCarthy return at the safety position.

Kicker Brandon Walker and punter Eric Maust return. If Notre Dame is good then their college football schedule is easy. If the Irish are still a fake power in college football odds then it could be a problem. The only really tough game is the home contest against USC. If Notre Dame is not a true power then games against Michigan, Michigan State, Pittsburgh and Connecticut could be tough. This is the season for Charlie Weis and the Irish. If they don’t win with this schedule and make a BCS bowl game then it may be a long time before they ever do.