The Tennessee State Tigers and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish meet in week 1 college football action from Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday Afternoon.

Tennessee State Team Preview

The Tennessee State Tigers will hope for better results in the 2023 campaign after finishing 2022 with an overall record of 4-7 in Eddie George’s second year in charge of the Tigers. Draylen Ellis is back after throwing for 1,807 yards, 8 touchdowns and 6 interceptions with a 54.8% completion percentage in 2022, while also retaining the services of lead running back Jalen Rouse who rushed for a team-high 613 yards with a pair of scores last season. The aforementioned Ellis also led the Tigers with 4 rushing TDs. Karate Brenson was 2nd in receptions and receiving yards in 2022 with 25 grabs for 329 yards, and is back for another go to help a Tigers offense that average just 18.3 PPG last season. On defense, Josh Green is the top returning tackler for TSU after recording 56 total tackles in 2023. Terrell Allen also returns after logging 4.5 sacks in 2022.

Irish Snag Win In International Opener

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish managed to open the season with a convincing 42-3 win over Navy in Dublin. Sam Hartman threw for 251 yards and 4 touchdowns on 19 of 23 passing while Audric Estime led the Irish ground attack with 16 carries for 95 yards and a touchdown. Jadarian Price also added a touchdown on the ground while Jaden Greathouse led the Irish with 68 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns. Jayden Thomas had a team-high 4 catches for 63 yards and a touchdown while Deion Colzie added a TD grab as well. On defense, Jack Kiser led the Irish with 8 total tackles including 6 solo tackles while Joshua Burnham and Rylie Mills each had a sack in the win.

Trends

Tennessee State is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall and 5-2 ATS in their last 7 road games while the over is 5-0 in their last 5 Saturday games. Notre Dame is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall while the over is 6-1 in their last 7 Saturday games.

Chris’ Pick

I’m sticking with Notre Dame here. I don’t have any desire to back Tennessee State in a spot like this, my only concern is will Notre Dame get caught playing with their food a little bit here. I think they come in and take this one seriously and get some minutes for the backups in as well. Give me Notre Dame ATS.