Here is some info to consider ahead of Tuesday’s Music City Bowl featuring Notre Dame and LSU (3 p.m. ET, ESPN):
What to Watch: Notre Dame’s lack of defensive depth will hurt the Irish in this matchup against LSU. Notre Dame may be able to keep it close for a period of time, but LSU should be able to control the clock in the second half. Notre Dame’s passing game – which will be led by sophomore Malik Zaire, who gets the nod over Everett Golson – will need to have an impressive performance to beat the Tigers.
Vegas vs. AccuScore: The Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook lists LSU as a -330 favorite on the money-line, odds that imply over a 76 percent chance of winning the game outright. While AccuScore doesn’t pick a different winner, it does have more faith in the Irish.
After simulating the game 10,000 times, AccuScore gives LSU a 57.4 percent chance to win, which translates to money-line odds closer to -135. With a 42.6 percent chance to win, according to AccuScore, Notre Dame is worth a shot at the +270 odds offered at the Westgate.
Wagering on the point spread and total also present potential values for bettors.
The average score after 10,000 simulations is 29-26. There is nearly a 60 percent chance ND covers the 8-point spread as underdogs. There is a 52 percent chance the total goes OVER 51.5 (available at CG Technology). Both are 2-star (out of four) AccuScore hot trends.
The total has gone OVER in six of Notre Dame’s last seven games.
