Notre Dame kicks off its 2011 season Saturday against a tough South Florida team that figures to be in the hunt for the Big East title.

The Irish is a double-digit home favorite against the Bulls, who were 8-5 last season. It's the first ever meeting of these teams and puts Notre Dame alum Skip Holtz, son of legendary Irish Head Coach Lou Holtz, back in town as the head coach of SFU.



View South Florida vs Notre Dame Odds and Stats.

Betting Line: Sportsbooks had the Fighting Irish pegged as 10.5-point favorites in this matchup. The total, meanwhile, was listed by the books at 46.






South Florida Bulls Trends:
When playing in September are 9-1
When playing on grass are 6-4
After being outgained are 6-4
When playing outside the conference are 8-2

Notre Dame Fighting Irish Trends:
When playing in September are 5-5
When playing on grass are 6-4
After being outgained are 7-3
When playing outside the conference are 6-4

A few Bulls at Fighting Irish trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of South Florida's last 5 games
South Florida is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
South Florida is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Notre Dame's last 7 games at home
Notre Dame is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Notre Dame's last 5 games
Notre Dame is 1-3-2 ATS in its last 6 games at home


Next up:
South Florida home to Ball State, Saturday, September 10
Notre Dame at Michigan, Saturday, September 10