Joel Klatt picks Notre Dame to win, Pittsburgh to cover

No. 9 Notre Dame travels to No. 22 Pittsburgh to take on the Panthers in one of Week 12’s marquee matchups in college football. Currently, the Fighting Irish are 12.5-point favorites on the road, according to BetMGM.

Ahead of another exciting week around the country, FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt made his picks for several of the top matchups on this weekend’s slate. That included the top 25 matchup featuring Notre Dame and Pitt.

“I think it’s going to be a tight game,” Klatt said on his show. “Pitt is getting 12.5. … They’re great stopping the run. Number one defense in the country when it comes to yards per carry allowed. They’re facing a team in Notre Dame that has to run the football, and we don’t know what we’re going to get from their quarterback, even though he’s very talented.

“Notre Dame wins the game. They’re better. They win it, but they don’t win it by 12.5. Notre Dame (wins) 20-16. Take the points with Pitt.”

Klatt pointed toward how Pitt has completely turned its season around after a 2-2 start to the season. Having benched Eli Holstein in favor of freshman Mason Heintschel after the loss to Louisville, the young signal caller has led the Panthers to five-straight victories in as many starts.

He’s thrown for at least 300 yards in four of those matchups, and at least three touchdown passes in three of those starts. His best game came on Oct. 25 when he threw for 423 yards and three touchdowns in a 53-34 win over NC State.

For Notre Dame, every game after its 0-2 start this season has been must-win. The Irish have rattled off seven-straight wins ever since, and Pitt appears to be the toughest obstacle left this regular season. Win on Saturday and the CFP will be within grasp.

Kickoff is set for Saturday at Noon ET and will air live on ABC. The over/under point total is set at 54.5 points, per BetMGM.

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