Playstation Fiesta Bowl
January 1
Notre Dame (11-1) vs. Oklahoma State (11-2), State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Ariz., 1 p.m., ESPN
Notre Dame -1.5 – O/U 45.5
It feels weird seeing this game played so early in the day, especially because it’s being played at 11 a.m. local time in Arizona. It’s also weird seeing these two teams play against one another — this is the first meeting ever between the Fighting Irish and the Cowboys. It’s also weird trying to figure out how good — or not good — these two teams are. Oklahoma State didn’t play any significant teams outside of the Big 12, but the Cowboys did play (and beat) Oklahoma in the annual Bedlam matchup. The Cowboys actually had a shot at the College Football Playoff before losing to Baylor in the Big 12 Championship Game. Notre Dame’s only big challenge was Cincinnati, and the Irish didn’t pass that test. If we’re to take both teams’ stats at face value, then Notre Dame is a little better at moving the ball and scoring with it, and Oklahoma State has a decent edge on the Irish in every phase of defense. The Cowboys probably have the edge in this game with a level playing field, but Notre Dame will be without All-American safety Kyle Hamilton and star running back Kyren Williams. That’s worth at least a couple of points here. This will be a competitive game, but out in the desert, it’s always best to side with the Cowboys.
Prediction: Oklahoma State 24-20
Result: Oklahoma State 37-35
Record:
Bowl season: SU – 24-11; ATS – 20-14-1; O/U – 15-20-0
Overall: SU – 616-192; ATS – 387-334-7; O/U – 346-370-12
Copyright © 2022 by Doug DeBolt.
