Ad Disclosure
Michigan-Notre Dame football: TV channel, game time, odds
By Andrew Olson
Published:
The rivalry is finally back: Michigan vs. Notre Dame. ESPN’s “College GameDay” will be live in South Bend, Ind. to preview the showdown between the No. 12 Fighting Irish and the No. 14 Wolverines. Below, find kickoff time, TV channel information and odds for the Michigan-Notre Dame football game.
Michigan-Notre Dame football: TV channel, game time, odds
All times are ET. Odds via MyBookie.
TV channel: The Michigan-Notre Dame game will air on NBC.
Time: The Michigan-Notre Dame game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Saturday Sept. 1, 2018.
Location: The Michigan-Notre Dame game will be played in South Bend, Ind.
Odds: Michigan is favored by 1 point.
Storylines
Before you tell me that I’m too high on Shea Patterson and that I should look at his numbers in raucous road venues, save your breath. I am indeed high on Patterson, though I’m not banking on him putting up 40 in South Bend. That’s the beauty of his new situation in Ann Arbor. He won’t have to.
This could be a very average game from an offensive standpoint and I’d still like Michigan’s chances. Considering the Irish return more defensive production than any team in America, there’s a decent chance that unit will know what it’s doing, even without defensive coordinator Mike Elko.
But you know what doesn’t sound like an encouraging possibility? Notre Dame’s ability to score against that Michigan defense.
I’ve been saying all offseason that not enough people are paying attention to the fact that the Wolverines return the 15th-most defensive production from last year’s group, which ranked No. 3 in FBS in total defense. Besides the valuable Mo Hurst, this is basically Don Brown running it back with a group that’s led by All-America candidates Devin Bush, Rashan Gary and Chase Winovich in the front 7. That’s a scary thought.
Call me crazy, but I have a feeling the Michigan defense will perform even better with rest just from even mediocre quarterback play, which it didn’t have last year.
Saturday Tradition News: Kirk Herbstreit picks Michigan to beat Notre Dame
One “College GameDay” analyst wasn’t shy about sharing his pick ahead of the game. Kirk Herbstreit told reporters on a conference call that he sees the Wolverines starting the season with a win.
“Between us,” said Herbstreit, “I think they’re going to go to South Bend and win, and I think they’re going to get on a roll. I think they’re going to be able to create an identity. I think people that are down on Jim Harbaugh. By Week 3, they’re going to go back to saying how he’s the greatest coach in the country, and I think the momentum is going to be created there.”
Saturday Tradition News: Jim Harbaugh updates status of injured Michigan WR Tarik Black
One noticeable absence for Michigan on Saturday will be WR Tarik Black, who is out with a foot injury.
During his press conference on Monday, head coach Jim Harbaugh updated Black’s status after the injury.
“Some weeks,” Harbaugh said when asked about how long Black will be sidelined. “Very similar injury this year to the other foot. The good news is both [feet] will be fixed this year.”
A former Florida beat reporter, Andrew writes for the Saturday Tradition News Desk.