Notre Dame (8-4) will not get to double digits in wins for the sixth straight season, but a victory in the Gator Bowl is still important moving forward. The Fighting Irish had some ups and downs in Marcus Freeman’s first full year at the helm of the program, but with a season in the books ND is optimistic for the future. South Carolina (8-4) has proven themselves worthy of this spot with big wins over Tennessee (63-38) and Clemson (31-30) to close out the year.
Before Betting on the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
South Carolina coach Shane Beamer got a mayonnaise bath after last year’s win over North Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, marking a successful first year with the program. The Gamecocks have added to their 7-6 win total from a season ago, and look to continue building on that with a very impressive passing game.
There were mixed reviews on Oklahoma transfer QB Spencer Rattler for most of the season, until the last two games when he absolutely blew up with 438 yards and 6 TDs vs Tennessee and then 360 yards and 2 scores vs Clemson. Notre Dame has a top 25 defense, but they are also missing a lot of players opting out for the draft so it could be another big day for the Gamecocks offense.
Notre Dame may be landing prolific Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman in the transfer portal, but their QB options for the Gator Bowl are a bit less optimistic. Drew Pyne has transferred to Arizona State, leaving either Tyler Buchner returning from shoulder surgery for the first time since week 2 or Steve Angeli taking his first snaps of the season. Either way the Fighting Irish would be wise to lean on their running game here.
South Carolina vs Notre Dame NCAAF Offshore Betting Odds
| Offshore Sportsbook | Moneyline | Total | Spread |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetOnline | So. Carolina (2.50) | ND (1.58) | 50 | So. Carolina +3.5 (1.88) | ND -3.5 (1.93) |
| Bovada | So. Carolina (2.35) | ND (1.63) | 50.5 | So. Carolina +3 (2.00) | ND -3 (1.83) |
| BetUS | So. Carolina (2.35) | ND (1.65) | 50.5 | So. Carolina +3.5 (1.87) | ND -3.5 (1.95) |
| SportsBetting.ag | So. Carolina (2.50) | ND (1.58) | 50 | So. Carolina +3.5 (1.88) | ND -3.5 (1.93) |
| Pinnacle | So. Carolina (2.52) | ND (1.56) | 51 | So. Carolina +3.5 (1.94) | ND -3.5 (1.93) |
| MyBookie | So. Carolina (2.39) | ND (1.59) | 50.5 | So. Carolina +3.5 (1.91) | ND -3.5 (1.91) |
TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Prediction & Pick
Notre Dame may see the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl as a step down for them, but Beamer seems like the type of coach that embraces this game. The Gamecocks were giant killers the last two games of the regular season, and Rattler and Co. light things up one more time.
Pick: South Carolina +3.5
