A pivotal Week 12 matchup is set for Saturday as the #9 Notre Dame Fighting Irish travel to Acrisure Stadium to face the #23 Pittsburgh Panthers. This marks the 74th meeting in a series dating back to 1909, where Notre Dame leads 50-21-1, and it carries significant weight for both programs as the season nears its conclusion.
Notre Dame vs Pittsburgh Betting Picks
The Fighting Irish are riding high after a dominant performance against Navy and need to maintain momentum for their postseason positioning as an independent program. Meanwhile, the Panthers are looking to make a statement in front of their home crowd with ESPN's College GameDay providing national coverage.
This contest features two high-powered offenses that promise fireworks at Acrisure Stadium. Notre Dame brings a balanced attack averaging 466.1 yards per game, while Pittsburgh counters with an explosive passing attack. The key storyline centers on ball security, where the Irish hold a massive +10 turnover differential advantage.
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Notre Dame vs Pittsburgh Betting Odds
- Moneyline: Notre Dame -461 | Pittsburgh +351
- Spread: Notre Dame -12.5 (-109) | Pittsburgh +12.5 (-111)
- Total: 54.5 (Over -109 | Under -111)
Betting odds courtesy of consensus odds
Notre Dame enters Pittsburgh as a significant road favorite, reflected in the hefty 12.5-point spread. The Fighting Irish are expected to win by nearly two touchdowns, while the total of 54.5 points suggests both offenses will find success. Notably, the total has dropped two points from its opening number of 56.5.
Game Information:
- Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025
- Kickoff: 12:00 PM EST
- Location: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA
- TV: ABC/ESPN3
Offensive Firepower Sets Stage for High-Scoring Affair
This matchup showcases two teams that know how to put points on the board. Pittsburgh averages 39.4 points per game compared to Notre Dame's 38.2, but the Irish generate more total yardage at 466.1 yards per contest versus the Panthers' 427.3.
The contrasts are fascinating. Notre Dame's ground game is elite, churning out 194.4 rushing yards per game behind running back J. Love, who's coming off a monster performance that included a 94-yard touchdown run. The Panthers counter with their aerial attack, throwing for 302.9 yards weekly under Pat Narduzzi's system.
Situational football will be crucial in this one. Notre Dame excels on third down, converting 46.9% of their attempts to keep drives alive. However, once Pittsburgh reaches the red zone, they're nearly automatic with an exceptional 84.9% touchdown rate. The Panthers are riding momentum from a 53-point offensive explosion in their previous outing.
The most telling statistic might be turnover differential, where Notre Dame's +10 margin dwarfs Pittsburgh's -1 mark. This suggests the Irish create more opportunities while taking better care of the football.
Notre Dame Poised to Cover Large Road Spread
While both offenses can light up the scoreboard, Notre Dame's advantages in efficiency and ball security make them the smart play to cover the 12.5-point spread. The massive gap in turnover differential (+10 vs -1) suggests the Irish will create extra possessions and capitalize on Panthers mistakes throughout the game.
Notre Dame's ability to sustain drives gives them a significant edge. Converting 46.9% of third-down attempts allows the Irish to control the clock with their dominant ground game. This ball-control approach should wear down Pittsburgh's defense and limit the Panthers' offensive opportunities.
The Irish have historically performed well in Pittsburgh, and Marcus Freeman's squad appears focused on making another statement in enemy territory. Expect Notre Dame to pull away in the second half as their depth and physicality take over.
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Best Pick: Notre Dame -12.5 (-109)