The Notre Dame football roadshow takes place in Atlanta on Saturday, and the Fighting Irish are 5-1 on the year and potentially still have everything they want in the Rebellion ahead.
But they need a win to earn it, and the second half of the season begins with a trip to Atlanta to take on a solid Georgia Tech team at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Will Notre Dame continue its run on the road for the first time in more than a month?
As the Irish improve to 6-1, the Sports Illustrated staff shares some bold predictions for Notre Dame.
Notre Dame vs. Georgia Tech Prediction: Nathan Urbach
Notre Dame wide receiver Jordan Faison runs up the field during Notre Dame football practice at the Irish Athletic Center in South Bend, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024. /Michael Crabb/South Bend Tribune/USA TODAY NETWORK
A bold prediction also ties into the game, as I think Leonard and the ND offense will maintain positive passing momentum against a below-average secondary. If quarterback Haynes King is not feeling well or has limited minutes at Georgia Tech, things could turn ugly quickly.
Game Prediction: Notre Dame 41, Georgia Tech 17
Bold prediction: Jordan Faison’s breakout game in 2025. If he’s healthy this season, I feel like ND has found a way to get him the ball. Unfortunately, he has been sidelined for a significant amount of time with a sprained ankle. Assuming he comes back and plays at his normal level, I think he can lead the team in receptions and find the end zone on Saturday.
Notre Dame vs. Georgia Tech Prediction: Mason Plummer
Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard, right, celebrates a touchdown scored by Leonard during the NCAA college football game between Notre Dame and Stanford on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend. ) and wide receiver Jaden Greathouse. /Michael Crabb/South Bend Tribune/USA TODAY NETWORK (via Imagn Images)
Georgia Tech is a solid team, but they can’t keep up with Notre Dame’s scoring numbers offensively. Either they score at Notre Dame or they stop offensively. The Irishman rolled like Royce into the Benz and stomped on the beehive.
Game Prediction: Notre Dame 38, Georgia Tech 17
Bold Prediction: After scoring 35 points just once in the entire month of September, Notre Dame’s offense will come alive again and score for the second consecutive week.
Notre Dame vs. Georgia Tech Prediction: Jeff Feiler
Notre Dame wide receiver Beau Collins catches a pass during the NCAA college football game between Notre Dame and Stanford on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend. /Michael Crabb/South Bend Tribune/USA TODAY NETWORK (via Imagn Images)
Let’s call it a pretty good Georgia Tech team. I understand the fear that comes with playing against that team. Haynes King’s dual-threat ability poses the Irish’s biggest challenge at the quarterback position thus far, but the Yellow Jackets have yet to see a defense like the Irish. Yes, injuries have prevented the Irishman from reaching his full potential. I totally think Georgia Tech will test the Irish secondary early with the talented receiver duo of Malik Rutherford and Eric Singleton to see if they can manage the loss of Benjamin Morrison. I look forward to it. Still, I don’t think Georgia Tech’s defense will be able to stop Riley Leonard and the Irish offense. And last time we checked, that means Ireland wins.
Game Prediction: Notre Dame 31, Georgia Tech 17
Bold Prediction: Beau Collins will come loose with TD reception of 50+ yards and become the first ND receiver to have 100+ yards receiving this year.
Notre Dame vs. Georgia Tech Prediction: John Kennedy
Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard warms up before the NCAA college football game between Notre Dame and Stanford on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend. /Michael Crabb/South Bend Tribune/USA TODAY NETWORK (via Imagn Images)
Notre Dame heads to Atlanta this week to take on Georgia Tech on the road as a double-digit favorite. Regardless of how the line moves in the second half against the Irish, the Yellow Jackets’ offense will be a good test for the injury-riddled Notre Dame defense if Haynes King is active and healthy. The offense is fast and varied, with King making the shots. The Irish defense will be frustrated at times, but as always, they will settle down and give a winning effort.
Game Prediction: Notre Dame 34, Georgia Tech 24
Bold Prediction: Notre Dame’s offense will have a passing game on Saturday, not a run game. I can’t give you numbers, but Notre Dame’s passing attack will be the best ever.
Notre Dame vs. Georgia Tech prediction: Nick Shepkowski
Notre Dame running back Jeremiah Love, 4, attempts to score a touchdown during the NCAA college football game between Notre Dame and Louisville on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend. Escape from a tackle. /Michael Crabb/South Bend Tribune/USA TODAY NETWORK (via Imagn Images)
Georgia Tech is a solid team, but it ranks in the bottom half nationally in pass completion percentage and near the bottom third in average yards allowed per pass attempt. The ability to dunk and dunk down the field is more feasible for Riley Leonard as Notre Dame uses the pass to free up the run game and move to 6-1 despite struggling on defense. Should be (assuming Haynes King plays).
Game Prediction: Notre Dame 31, Georgia Tech 24
Bold Prediction: Jeremiah Love will double the length of his longest reception so far this year (currently 32 yards) with a game-changing touchdown reception.
