Despite the dominating win over Virginia Tech, Miami opens as an underdog at home again according to BetOnline. The Canes ended up being favored before kickoff last night, but the Hokies were a 2.5-point favorite most of the week. I expect this line to close near pickem later in the week. Notre Dame is #3 in the Playoff rankings and is 8-1 on the year, with the only loss coming by a point to Georgia in early September. Unlike Virginia Tech, Notre Dame has an impressive road win - a 38-18 blowout at Michigan State. Notre Dame’s star RB Josh Adams left the game early during yesterday’s win over Wake Forest - his status will be carefully watched this week. Brian Kelly said today he expects Adams to be ready for Saturday night.

EDIT: Notre Dame opened as a 1.5 point favorite. Betting came quickly, and within a minute, the line moved to the listed -4 (as of publishing of this article)

Just over a minute after opening, Notre Dame moved from -1.5 to -4 at Miami. — Sports Insights (@SportsInsights) November 5, 2017

Miami is 8-0 and has a defense playing as well as any in the country. The Canes went 4-0 in October, winning the four games by a combined 18 points. Yesterday, Miami finally stepped up and took full control of a game, beating Virginia Tech by 18.

Miami thrived on being disrespected last week and the players and coaches came ready to prove a point against Virginia Tech. That same effort are more will be needed against a Notre Dame team that I think is significantly better than the Hokies, at least on offense.

Both teams have won games by forcing turnovers this season - ND is +12 in turnover margin and Miami is +11.

ND is averaging 325 yards rushing per game, but just 170 yards passing per game

Teams are 9-13 kicking field goals against Notre Dame, while Miami is one of just five teams in the country that hasn’t benefitted from a missed field goal. Miami’s opponents are an insane 17-17.

ND leads the nation with 36 rushing plays of 20+ yards

Miami’s defense is 4th nationally in interceptions per game, 13 in 8 games.

Miami’s defense leads the nation in tackles for loss per game and is 5th in sacks per game

The Canes have one big advantage against the Irish - an electric crowd at Hard Rock Stadium. The atmosphere in the stadium during the win over Virginia Tech was incredible. As Miami fans, we’ve waited years to feel that kind of joy, relief, and excitement. It was clearly the best home game since Miami moved to Hard Rock Stadium in 2008. This Saturday night against Notre Dame has a chance to be even better. Go Canes.