Notre Dame football score predictions: Tennessee State vs. Fighting Irish national picks
You’re not going to find many picks for Notre Dame vs. Tennessee State from big-time outlets like ESPN, The Athletic, CBS Sports, Fox Sports, etc. The game doesn’t even have a point spread because it features one of the FBS’ best teams vs. a middle of the road FCS squad. It’s the first time in the modern era the Irish have ever played an opponent from the FCS ranks.
The final score should read a lot to a little.
Here is what BlueandGold.com could find in the way of national predictions for Saturday’s 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff between Marcus Freeman‘s Fighting Irish and Eddie George‘s Tigers in South Bend.
Bleacher Report: Notre Dame 52, Tennessee State 7
“Sam Hartman put together an outstanding debut, throwing four touchdowns in the victory over Navy. It’s fair to expect a similar afternoon against lower-division Tennessee State.”
USA Today
Dan Wolken: Notre Dame
Eddie Timanus: Notre Dame
Erick Smith: Notre Dame
Jace Evans: Notre Dame
Paul Myerberg: Notre Dame
Scooby Axson: Notre Dame
College Football News: Notre Dame 55, Tennessee State 0
“It’s a huge moment for college football as Tennessee State head coach Eddie George brings an HBCU team to South Bend. It’s also the Irish’s first game against a team outside of the FBS/D-I since taking down Carnegie Tech 16-0 in 1941.
“This will be competitively over fast.
“The Irish will push with the ground attack – the Tigers have size up front, though – Hartman will get the chances to make that second and third read, and the offense will get its work in early before the main men get pulled.
“It’s a timing game. Get Hartman and the receivers more and more on the same page – they can test some things out here – get the backups some work, and move on to the NC State game plan.”
The Tennessean: Irish 52, Tigers 7
“Notre Dame did not turn the ball over against Navy, but TSU must find a way to come up with at least two takeaways against the Fighting Irish. The Tigers defenders must take chances and try to strip the ball any chance that comes their way. If TSU is within striking distance at any point in the second half, it will be considered a huge accomplishment.”
Saturday Road: Irish 49, Tigers 3
“Notre Dame’s defense continues to dominate and the Fighting Irish roll to a big win before things get real next next Saturday in Raleigh, N.C. Expect a big performance from Hartman and plenty of reps for the Fighting Irish’s young corps during the 2nd half.”
