Marcus Freeman, former defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for fifth-ranked Notre Dame, took over the program after Brian Kelly departed for the head coaching job at LSU.
On New Year’s Day, he will make his debut against number nine Oklahoma State in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
The Cowboys were possibly a failed fourth down scoring attempt against Baylor in the Big 12 title game from a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Oklahoma State vs. Notre Dame Stats
Looking at the Oklahoma State stats
Traditionally, Oklahoma State has won by putting downfield pressure on opposing defenses with their explosive passing game. But in 2021, they did it with their defense, allowing just 274 yards a game, good for third-best in the FBS.
They accomplished that rating in both phases of the game, holding opponents under 90 yards per game on the ground and 184 yards through the air with 52 quarterback sacks.
Offensively, the Cowboys operate a balanced attack, generating 181 rushing yards a game and also 221 with the pass, led by Spencer Sanders at quarterback and Jaylen Warren at running back.
Sanders tossed 16 touchdown passes and ran for six scores, but his 12 interceptions, including four against Baylor, kept Oklahoma State from making the four-team playoff field.
Looking at the Notre Dame stats
Notre Dame faced a pair of top ten defenses in 2021, suffering a 24-13 loss to Cincinnati where they were held to 84 rushing yards and a deceiving 41-13 defeat of Wisconsin, which saw the Irish held to three yards on the ground and 239 through the air.
Notre Dame managed to win due to two defensive and one special teams touchdowns in the fourth quarter to erase a 13-10 Wisconsin lead.
Those two games were earlier in the season before Notre Dame began to build momentum, resulting in their current seven-game winning streak, during which they averaged 38 points.
But none of those wins came against teams with a winning record.
Quarterback Jack Coan is efficient, but not spectacular, throwing for 20 touchdowns with just five interceptions. The Irish also depend on the running game for over 152 yards a contest with 23 touchdowns on the season.
Betting Trends for Oklahoma State vs. Notre Dame
- Notre Dame is 9-3 against the spread
- Oklahoma State is 9-3-1 against the spread
- Notre Dame is 6-0 against the spread in its last six games as a favorite
- Oklahoma State is 3-0 against the spread as an underdog
- Notre Dame is 7-0 against the spread in its last seven games
Who to Bet Cowboys vs. Fighting Irish
Notre Dame is a 2.5 point favorite but has just two victories over Power Five teams with winning records. One of those was the misleading win over Wisconsin, and the other was 27-13 over Purdue, who turned the ball over twice in crucial spots in a game where both teams gained just under 350 yards.
The question mark for Notre Dame is whether they can generate enough offense against a defense that has been consistently stingy throughout the season.
Look for the Cowboys to put Coan in a position to make big plays instead of managing the game, so take Oklahoma State at +2.5.