ON SATURDAY in South Bend, Ind., two of the most cut-and-dried teams in the country will meet. It will not have the fanfare of some of this rivalry’s previous installments. And it certainly will not have the national appeal on a day when ranked teams collide in conference play.
But it will have two programs that have been amazingly easy to figure out this season. Notre Dame — no matter the opponent, no matter the site — will battle to the end, and most likely, need every last minute to win . . . or lose. Boston College will battle, as well. But the Eagles at home are a completely different beast then when on the road.
So what gives? Good question. Listen, the Irish certainly have more to play for. They have lost to Michigan and USC, yes, but a BCS bowl bid is out there for the taking, and they well could — and perhaps should — run the table.
The Eagles? Different story. Picked to do next to nothing in the ACC, Frank Spaziani’s group already has surpassed many people’s expectations. Boston College is one win away from being bowl eligible, and has impressive victories over Florida State, Wake Forest, and N.C. State to hang on its mantel. A victory over the Irish also would look great, make no mistake, but let’s ponder what the Eagles have done out of state this season:
* Oct. 10, at Virginia Tech: The Eagles are outgained by 278 yards in a 48-14 loss.
* Sept. 19, at Clemson: The Eagles are outgained by 199 yards in a 25-7 loss.
You get the idea.
Look, the Irish clearly have shown the capacity to not cover this season, we know. And we’re certainly not psyched this line is more than a touchdown. But the better team — with the better quarterback — in its own stadium, should find a way.
Plus, there’s a little matter of revenge. The Irish were blanked in Chestnut Hill last year, 17-0.
“The thing that I definitely like the most about the team is their heart,” Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis said. “You know, it’s pretty evident this is a fighting group of guys. They’re a bunch of guys that have shown intestinal fortitude. They’re tough.”
We agree. And perhaps that toughness is going to lead to a home cover for the second straight week. Notre Dame (-8) is the pick.
TOMORROW
ARMY (+10) over Rutgers: Speaking of surpassing expectations, the Black Knights are shooting for win No. 4. They likely will not get it here, but should be able to hang around, and work that clock.
SATURDAY
PITT (-6½) over South Florida: Wet, blustery conditions in Pittsburgh this weekend certainly favor the host Panthers, who have bounced back nicely from a bad loss at N.C. State.
VIRGINIA (+5½) over Georgia Tech: Looks like an ACC trap to us, especially considering the Jackets might be a little hungover after upsetting Virginia Tech.
UConn (+7) over WEST VIRGINIA: The Mountaineers have injury issues on offense, and the mourning Huskies have plenty of inspiration, and motivation.
Clemson (+4½) over MIAMI: The electric C.J. Spiller against a banged-up Hurricanes’ front should be able to keep the Tigers close.
OLE MISS (-6½) over Arkansas: It’s about time the Rebels got in gear, and you might see a Razors team that’s a little too proud of itself for hanging around vs. Florida last week.
MICHIGAN (+4½) over Penn State: The Wolverines play things tight. Ask Michigan State, Notre Dame and Iowa. Could be a field-goal game.
MISSOURI (+13) over Texas: The Longhorns used up a lot of energy to sneak past Oklahoma last week. A slight letdown, perhaps, is on deck.
WASHINGTON (+10) over Oregon: The Ducks still have injuries to deal with on offense, and the Huskies have proven — over and over again — they have some home magic.
Tennessee (+14) over ALABAMA: The Family Kiffin Defense already has shown up vs. Florida and Georgia, and the Volunteers have had a week to prepare.
MICHIGAN STATE (Pick) over Iowa: It looks like another trap to us, and East Lansing will be ready to rock in a rare night game.
BYU (+2½) over Texas Christian: Always a lot of public love for the Horned Frogs, but they were sluggish on the road at Air Force two weeks back, and we believe the Cougars have had this one circled all season.
Auburn (+8) over LSU: The SEC West Disappointment Bowl? Both teams are coming off losses, with Auburn actually coming off back-to-back defeats. Neither was as good as their start, so we will take the points and hope for a tug-of-war.
Florida (-23) over MISSISSIPPI STATE: Follow the Florida pattern this year. Struggle at home, cover on the road the following week. Example No. 1: The Gators tripped past Tennessee, 23-13, in The Swamp, then, seven days later, throttled Kentucky, 41-7, in Lexington.
OFF THE GRID
Oklahoma (-7½) over KANSAS: Third time a charm, perhaps, as the Sooners try to snag a third cover coming off a loss. They’re 2-0 with a bullet so far, and the Jayhawks seem a tad overrated.
Boise State (-25) over HAWAII: It’s BCS Impression Time for the Broncos, who need to pour it on against the Warriors to improve their chances.
OHIO STATE (-16½) over Minnesota: A rare “OTG” appearance for the Buckeyes, who have the chance to bounce back with a bang against the overmatched Gophers.
Last week: 3-11-1 Overall; 1-2 Best Bets; 1-1 Off The Grid.
Season: 45-58-2; 8-13 11-8.