Notre Dame at Syracuse College Football: Everything You Need To Know

At this point of the season, few expected Notre Dame to be 1-3. Fewer foresaw the Fighting Irish losing at home Saturday to Duke. Which is to say, this year has been an enormous disappointment for coach Brian Kelly and his squad.

In an attempt to shore up a porous defense that has allowed 124 points in three losses, Kelly fired defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder. Defensive analyst Greg Hudson has taken over VanGorder’s responsibilities.

The timing could be right for a defensive rebound as Syracuse’s offense has muddled through the year (the Orange is scoring 28 points per game against below-average competition, save for Louisville, who blew the doors off Syracuse 62-28). With this game taking place in MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, as opposed to the Orange’s usual home locale (the Carrier Dome) the Irish have the added advantage of a road game that is a borderline neutral site.

Although Notre Dame’s offense has posted impressive numbers (specifically quarterback DeShone Kizer, who has thrown for 1,096 yards, 11 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions), the Irish are more inconsistent than Kelly would prefer. A blowout victory over the Orange would go a long way toward restoring Notre Dame’s confidence and getting the team on track toward competing in a major bowl game at year’s end.

Kickoff time: 11 a.m., CT

TV and radio: ESPN, Notre Dame sports network.

Records: Notre Dame 1-3; Syracuse 2-2

Point spread: Notre Dame is favored by 13 points, according to scores and odds.

Tickets: Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com.