TV/radio: 2:30 p.m. Saturday, NBC-5, WLS-AM 890.
Line: Notre Dame by 28.
Records: Nevada 1-0; Notre Dame 0-1.
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Last meeting: Notre Dame won the only previous meeting 35-0 on Sept. 5, 2009, in South Bend, Ind. Jimmy Clausen completed 15 of 18 for 315 yards, while Nevada’s Colin Kaepernick hit 12 of 23 for 149 yards.
Keys to the game
Can Notre Dame’s “D” rebound? The Irish remain vulnerable on the back end, as evidenced by Texas averaging 10.4 yards per pass attempt and 17.5 per completion Sunday. Nevada is built to run with featured back James Butler of Wheaton St. Francis. Veteran QB Tyler Stewart also has legit weapons in the reliable Jerico Richardson and 6-foot-5 Hasaan Henderson, who plays his best in tough road games.
Will it still be a table for two? DeShone Kizer is QB1, but coach Brian Kelly likely wants to keep Malik Zaire engaged. A comfortable lead could yield more reps for the backup.
Can the Irish run wild? Nevada’s 30-27 win over Cal Poly of the FCS showed that the Wolf Pack are vulnerable to good rushing attacks. The triple-option Mustangs churned out 383 yards on 71 carries, pushing the game into overtime. So look for Kizer, Zaire and top tailback Tarean Folston to do some damage.
Teddy Greenstein’s pick: Is Notre Dame looking ahead to Michigan State? Still ticked about Texas? The Irish are in a “sandwich” spot, but their rushing attack is too good to fail.
Notre Dame 44, Nevada 24.