Notre Dame v. LSU – Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl, Dec. 30, 3pm
This sounds like it would be a national championship game. But alas, these two teams are meeting in Music City Bowl. Each had a season they would like to do-over. Ultimately the fans get to reap the benefits of subpar campaigns in a bowl game. Notre Dame started mighty strong going 6-0 with wins over teams like then-ranked Stanford. There was no shame in losing to Florida State, but that loss triggered off a lull that the Fighting Irish have not been used to. They lost four straight to end the year including a head-scratcher to Northwestern when they had been leading in that game. Everett Golson must get back into his early season form to take out the Tigers. He was magnificent early, and he faltered as the team faltered as the season progressed. Going against LSU will be no easy task, but Les Miles’ club has been bested four times this year, which is rare in his tenure. They were blanked by an average Arkansas team and could only muster seven points against Auburn. Their offense has sputtered all year, but their defense is still top-notch. Their quarterback play has not been stellar, though they have Leonard Fournette to help out in the backfield. Neither team wants to go out without a loss. These are proud coaches. It should be a chess match.
PREDICTION: LSU 24, Notre Dame 20
