Notre Dame vs Georgia Picks: Irish Best Bet in CFP January 01

Happy New Year! And what better way to ring it in than with a Sugar Bowl slugfest between two college football powerhouses, Georgia and Notre Dame? With Georgia favored by a single point and the Over/Under set at 45, oddsmakers at BetUS Sportsbook predict a tight, low-scoring battle.

Notre Dame is 13-0 rn if Riley Leonard doesn’t throw this pic.twitter.com/pAqqH2WWUC

— ND Insider (@insider_nd) December 29, 2024

But here’s the kicker: The Fighting Irish are battle-tested, riding an 11-game win streak and armed with one of the nation’s top defenses. Georgia, meanwhile, enters this showdown without starting quarterback Carson Beck, leaning instead on backup Gunner Stockton to guide them. If you’re itching for some value in your bowl bets, grab the Irish moneyline before it shifts.

Here’s why Notre Dame is primed to break hearts and cash in on some NCAAF predictions from brave prognosticators like myself.

Sugar Bowl Game Information

• Game: Notre Dame (12-1) vs Georgia (11-2)
• Location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA
• Day/Time: Wednesday, Jan. 1, 8:45 p.m. ET
• Notre Dame vs Georgia Live Stream: Fubo.tv

Check the latest Notre Dame vs Georgia betting trends here.

2 Betting Keys for Georgia vs Notre Dame

1. Fighting Irish Defense Can Shut the Door

Georgia’s offense has been resilient, but asking sophomore QB Stockton to shine under the bright lights of a playoff game is a tall order. Notre Dame’s defense, ranked first in pass success rate allowed and second in adjusted EPA per play, is the ultimate buzzkill for opposing quarterbacks.

The NCAAF news on the Fighting Irish’s secondary is they are a lockdown unit, and their ability to pressure quarterbacks has forced mistakes all year. And while Georgia’s offensive line is solid, it’s no match for the relentless pass rush of Notre Dame. Add in the Irish’s opportunistic linebacker corps and you will have a recipe for disaster for Stockton.

Georgia’s one-dimensional rushing attack won’t save them either. The Bulldogs have struggled against elite defenses, and Notre Dame’s defensive front will ensure that trend continues. The Irish are built to thrive in this kind of game — where every yard feels like it’s being clawed for on broken glass.

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2. Riley Leonard and Irish Run Game Will Shine

Notre Dame’s offense isn’t flashy, but it’s ruthlessly efficient. Dual-threat QB Riley Leonard has been a steady hand, and he’ll have a field day exploiting Georgia’s underwhelming secondary. The Bulldogs’ defensive backs haven’t lived up to their billing this season, giving up costly chunk plays in big games. Leonard’s poise and playmaking ability could be the X-factor in turning field goals into touchdowns.

Then there’s Notre Dame’s ground game, led by Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. Georgia’s run defense has shown cracks against teams with dynamic rushing attacks, and this duo is primed to exploit it. Love’s ability to break tackles and Price’s explosiveness in space will keep Georgia’s vaunted front seven guessing. They are both solid options in NCAAF player props.

Notre Dame isn’t just coming to play; it is coming to punch Georgia in the mouth. And when the dust settles, the Irish will be booking their trip to the semifinals while the Bulldogs are left wondering where it all went wrong.

Best Bet: Take Notre Dame +100

Sure, Georgia has the talent to win this game. But relying on an unproven quarterback against an elite defense is a recipe for disaster. Notre Dame has the tools, the momentum and the motivation to pull off the upset.

The Bulldogs’ defense will keep it close, but the Irish are too well-rounded, and Riley Leonard’s steady leadership will carry the day. Lock in Notre Dame at +100 while you still can—and maybe sprinkle a little on the Under in NCAA football picks because this game is shaping up to be an old-school defensive battle.

Bet on Notre Dame (Ev) vs Georgia

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Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets