Football betting news: 2011 Big East/Notre Dame Regular Season Wins Predictions

Notre Dame Fighting Irish (Ov/Un: 9) 2010 Regular Season: 7-5 After a run of close losses throughout the season, Notre Dame was able to close out the 2010 campaign with victories over USC and Miami. With a track record of improving programs quickly, head coach Brian Kelly should be able to make some progress in his second season with the Fighting Irish. Still, there are some issues to deal with as the season approaches. Quarterback Dayne Christ is recovering from knee surgery while star wideout Michael Floyd is currently serving an indefinite suspension. With a schedule that features nine bowl teams from last year and USC, Notre Dame will need to be ready to go each and every week of the season. Prediction: Under West Virginia Mountaineers (Ov/Un: 9) 2010 Regular Season: 9-3 Former Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen will take over the West Virginia program a year earlier than expected. The Mountaineers are hoping that his dynamic offense will enable the team to return to the top of the Big East standings. While standout running back Noel Devine has graduated, Holgorsen will have a solid quarterback to work with in 2011. Signal-caller Geno Smith should be a nice fit for the club's new offensive schemes. Non-conference matchups against Maryland and LSU in September could set the tone for the rest of the year. Prediction: Over South Florida Bulls (Ov/Un: 8) 2010 Regular Season: 7-5 While South Florida has been a solid program over the last decade, the school is still seeking a breakout season in the Big East. Without a dominant club in the league this year, the Bulls could be ready to finally claim a conference title. If South Florida is going to make some strides this season, talented quarterback B.J. Daniels will need to be more consistent. With Notre Dame and Miami on the non-conference slate, the Bulls will have a number of competitive matchups throughout the season. Prediction: Under Syracuse Orange (Ov/Un: 6) 2010 Regular Season: 7-5 After several down years, head coach Doug Marrone finally brought some life back to the once-proud Syracuse program in 2010. Now, he must try to sustain some momentum in 2011. While star runner Delone Carter has moved on to the NFL, emerging quarterback Ryan Nassib gives the offense a chance to put up another respectable effort this season. In terms of the club's non-conference schedule, a trip to USC is the only contest that might cause some real concern. Prediction: Over