Notre Dame (8-2) faces Syracuse (3-7) in its final regular-season game, seeking focus despite heavy betting favoritism and playoff implications.

No. 9 Notre Dame (8-2) prepares for its final regular-season game against Syracuse (3-7), emphasizing focus despite facing a losing opponent and playoff speculation. The Fighting Irish, winners of eight straight since opening losses to Miami and Texas A&M, feature a balanced offense led by quarterback CJ Carr, running back Jeremiyah Love, and wide receiver Jadarian Price, with a strong defense anchored by Tae Johnson. Syracuse, on a six-game losing streak and no longer bowl-eligible, aims to disrupt Notre Dame’s momentum, led by backup quarterback Rickie Collins Jr. and running back Yasin Willis. Coach Fran Brown views the game as a valuable test, while betting models favor Notre Dame by a large margin, projecting a high-scoring outcome.