Final score predictions for Notre Dame vs. Pittsburgh: Can the Fighting Irish handle business in a College Gameday environment? 

Final score predictions for the College Gameday battle between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Pitt Panthers.

Brentley Weissman, Craig Smith, Ryan Roberts, Travis May
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Oct 19, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman greets players before the game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The outlook for Notre Dame football and its quest toward the College Football Playoffs is easy to dissect: Win out, and the Fighting Irish will have a chance to go on another run. Head coach Marcus Freeman and his Irish squad have their biggest remaining test on Saturday when they travel to take on Pat Narduzzi and the Pitt Panthers. College Gameday will be on site, adding to the drama surrounding the matchup. 

With Pitt also being ranked and the ACC still wide open, Narduzzi’s squad has a lot to play for, in addition to defending its home field. Freeman will need to have his team ready to play, and their stars need to show up to strengthen their playoff resume. Will quarterback CJ Carr and superstar running back Jeremiyah Love lead the Irish to victory, or will Pitt play spoiler to their playoff hopes? 

Several members of the A to Z Sports staff made their picks for who will win the game and what the final score will be. Here is how they see this contest playing out. 

Notre Dame vs. Pitt series history 

  • Notre Dame and Pitt have played 72 times in their series history, Fighting Irish lead the series 50-21-1
  • Notre Dame has won four straight in the series, and they are 7-3 in their last ten matchups 
  • Each team ranks Top-5 all-time in National Championship wins, 11 for the Irish, nine for the Panthers 
  • Marcus Freeman holds a 40-12 overall record as the head coach for Notre Dame 
  • Pat Narduzzi holds a 79-58 overall record as the head coach for Pitt 

Notre Dame vs. Pitt final score predictions 

Notre Dame 31, Pittsburgh 10

Pitt freshman quarterback Mason Heintschel has injected their offense and team with some confidence since he took over as the starter. The Panthers are riding a five-game winning streak, led by an offense that averages just under 40 points per game. Even if head coach Pat Narduzzi wants to pretend like this game isn’t important, I don’t buy it. Notre Dame will have to be ready to play and weather the storm of being on the road in a College Gameday environment early on.

While the Pitt offense is a fun group, I’m just not sure what matchup they have against the Irish defense that they will consistently win. I have a feeling that CJ Carr and Jeremiyah Love might have a bit of a slower start to the game, but eventually, they wear the Pitt defense down. Notre Dame wins in decisive fashion while continuing to solidify its College Football Playoff standing. – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Notre Dame 

Notre Dame 34, Pittsburgh 23

Notre Dame belongs in the playoff, no matter how many angry haters try and assert the opposite. CJ Carr lost his first two games as the starting quarterback for the Irish by a combined four points, but since then, he’s been amazing. He has led Notre Dame to seven straight victories, throwing 19 touchdowns to just four interceptions, becoming one of the most effective passers in the nation.

The Irish running game is still dominant with Jeremiyah Love leading the way. The defense has given up more than 13 points just once in the last six games. Pitt has been a fun story with their freshman quarterback taking over, but its in for a major wake-up call. The surprisingly high-flying Pitt passing attack will score some points, but not nearly enough. – Travis May, A to Z Sports managing editor 

Notre Dame 30, Pittsburgh 24

This is a game where the Irish are a double-digit favorite, but it will likely end up as a close battle when all is said and done. Pitt has been playing as well as anyone in the ACC since freshman Mason Heintschel took over as the team’s starting quarterback. The Panthers also have a pass rush that could potentially make life tricky for CJ Carr and a good ND offensive line.

But in the end, the Irish ground game takes over in the second half, and Notre Dame’s secondary secures a late turnover to thwart Pitt’s final drive. The Irish secure a playoff spot by clearing their final hurdle, with no realistic chance of losing to Syracuse or Stanford. – Craig Smith, A to Z Tennessee 

Notre Dame 24, Pittsburgh 14

In a top-25 matchup, Notre Dame’s offensive balance should prove decisive against a tough but overmatched Pittsburgh defense. Freshman quarterback CJ Carr continues to show poise, spreading the ball efficiently while running back Jeremiyah Love provides a steady ground threat.

Though Pitt’s defense has been solid against the run, containing Notre Dame’s dual attack will be a tall task. On the other side, Pittsburgh’s offense has struggled to generate explosive plays, and Notre Dame’s disciplined defense rarely allows long, sustained drives. Expect the Irish to control the tempo and pull away late. – Brentley Weissman, A to Z Oregon

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