ESPN's Rece Davis, Pete Thamel Make Predictions for Notre Dame–Pittsburgh Matchup

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ESPN's Rece Davis, Pete Thamel Make Predictions for Notre Dame–Pittsburgh Matchup

Highlights

  • ESPN’s Rece Davis and Pete Thamel both picked Notre Dame to beat Pittsburgh on Saturday.
  • Thamel expects a low-scoring, grind-it-out game, predicting Pitt will cover the spread.
  • Davis warned of a “danger spot” for Notre Dame if its young quarterback struggles early.

ESPN's College Gameday will be in Pittsburgh as No. 9 Notre Dame visits No. 22 Pittsburgh Saturday in a matchup that could shape the College Football Playoff picture, and Rece Davis and Pete Thamel have already made their picks.

On this week’s College GameDay Podcast, the two analysts broke down the matchup and what they expect from both sides. Davis noted that Notre Dame’s betting line has jumped from -10.5 to -12.5, calling it “a pretty lofty number” ahead of kickoff.

Thamel made his pick first, predicting that Notre Dame will win but that Pittsburgh will cover. He envisions a gritty, low-scoring game that comes down to toughness more than tempo.

“I think it’s a grind-it-out, kind of nasty, Steel City day, and Notre Dame has enough push to win,” Thamel said. “I’m just not going to bet against Jeremiyah Love. We’re going to say the Irish, but just by a field goal.”

Davis agreed with Thamel on the winner but expressed caution about how Notre Dame’s young quarterback, CJ Carr, will handle Pittsburgh’s pressure-heavy defense. He said the Irish should win, but a slow start could make things dangerous.

Rece Davis hosts the ESPN College GameDay show before the first round of the College Football Playoff between Notre Dame and Indiana on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in South Bend.© MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

“I think Notre Dame wins the game because they’re the better team,” Davis said. “But a young quarterback against Narduzzi’s defense and the pressure they can create gives me a little bit of pause. This is a real danger spot if Notre Dame squanders opportunities or gives up a bunch of negative plays early.”

With playoff implications for both teams and an emotional home crowd expected, Davis summed it up simply: “Should be great theater."

Kickoff between the Panthers and Fighting Irish is set for 12:00 p.m. ET Saturday on ABC.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Nov 13, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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