Notre Dame opened as a pretty big favorite against South Carolina, but those lines have changed in the last few weeks.
For one thing, South Carolina is one of the hottest teams in college football. Despite several transfer portal departures, they put down their caps on a great season and started playing complementary football.
The Fighting Irish lost tight end Michael Mayer and edge rusher Isiah Foskey in the NFL draft. Both opted out of the bowl game, with quarterback Drew Pyne entering the transfer portal.
South Carolina lost several players to the NFL, including standout corner Cam Smith, but the offense remains relatively intact. They still have the team’s core foundation on their roster, and that’s what got them this far.
- Fan Duel: Notre Dame -2.5, South Carolina ML +114
- Draft Kings: Notre Dame -2.5, South Carolina ML +115
- Caesars Sportsbook: Notre Dame -2, South Carolina ML +115
The line initially opened at -4.5 on most sites. Despite losing three key offensive contributors, South Carolina impressed the domestic oddsmakers and pushed the line closer to He Gamecocks.
One of the helping factors is that quarterback Spencer Ratler, wide receiver Antwain Wells and defensive lineman Jordan Birch play in the bowl game. Each has NFL opportunities, but are holding off on deciding to play.
Head coach Shane Beamer has been preaching to stay focused on the players within the program, not the outside noise. They have always proved him right and should go head-to-head with Notre Dame.
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