After a statement win over a ranked USC team and a much-needed bye week, Notre Dame heads to Boston for its eighth game of the season. The matchup looks one-sided on paper — Boston College enters at 1–7 and has struggled in nearly every phase. For Notre Dame, this is a chance to stay sharp, build momentum, and bolster its College Football Playoff resume.
Here’s how the Fighting Irish Preview staff see Saturday’s game unfolding:
Phillip Houk – Senior Editor
Boston College is not good. They’re struggling to score, giving up over 34 points per game, and turning the ball over — a lot. The Love and Price show will find plenty of room to run, and C.J. Carr will bounce back after an uneven game against USC. On defense, Notre Dame is back to playing at an elite level — not a good sign for a struggling Eagle offense. BC might sneak in a score here or there, but this one is likely to get away quickly. Expect the Irish to go for max CFP-style points and take no prisoners.
Prediction: Notre Dame 45, Boston College 10
Caleb Conrad – Staff Intern
The Irish have won five straight and are coming off a bye week after a big win over No. 20 USC. Boston College has one of the worst rushing defenses in the country — look for big games from Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. Notre Dame’s defense continues to improve each week, and they should hold the Eagles to single digits. This is also a great opportunity for C.J. Carr to get back in rhythm for the stretch run. Expect a lopsided scoreboard with the Irish on top.
Prediction: Notre Dame 49, Boston College 3
Jesse Craig – Webmaster
In this rivalry game, one team is a college football powerhouse with a potential Heisman candidate and needs to destroy every opponent remaining on its schedule to impress the playoff committee — and it’s had a bye week to prepare. The other is a very bad Boston College team.
Prediction: Notre Dame 56, Boston College 0
Chad Ryan – Photo Journalist / Multimedia Editor
I could get into stats, records, and trends, but what would be the point? You never say never. In this one, however…
Prediction: Notre Dame 45, Boston College 10
Connor Fitzharris – Staff Writer
These are two teams heading in completely opposite directions. Notre Dame is fighting to stay in the College Football Playoff conversation, while Boston College has dropped seven straight — their lone win coming against Fordham on August 30. The Eagles have one of the worst rushing defenses in the nation. The Irish will take another step toward their CFP hopes as Love and Price continue to terrorize opposing defenses.
Prediction: Notre Dame 42, Boston College 6
Adam Schenkel – Producer / Audio Editor
Honestly, I’m not doing any research for this one because all I know is Notre Dame is good and Boston College is awful. There’s no way this one is close.
Prediction: Notre Dame 49, Boston College 10
AJ Houk – Photo Journalist / Director of Brand Strategy
Look, Boston College is really bad at football. Like, really, really bad. Notre Dame should come out of the bye refreshed, and even if it takes a drive or two to settle in, there’s no scenario where BC hangs around. The formula is simple: feed the two best running backs in college football, give C.J. Carr controlled opportunities to progress, let the defense continue its upward climb, handle business, sing the fight song, get on the plane, and head back to South Bend.
Prediction: Notre Dame 45, Boston College 10
The Final Byte
The Final Byte is a data-based prediction that evaluates statistical matchups, efficiency trends, and recent team performance — independent of staff opinions. It’s the analytical voice behind Fighting Irish Preview predictions.
Boston College’s struggles are deep and structural. The Eagles rank near the bottom nationally in yards per play allowed, red-zone defense, and turnover margin. Their offensive line has surrendered constant pressure, and they’ve failed to establish consistency in the run game. That’s a dangerous formula against a Notre Dame defense coordinated by Chris Ash, which thrives on disruption and physicality up front.
On offense, the Irish have every advantage — talent, depth, and balance. Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price should both eclipse 100 total yards, while C.J. Carr continues to grow in efficiency and decision-making. Expect the game to be effectively decided by halftime, with Notre Dame using the second half to rotate and build experience.
Boston College may find a late score, but this one won’t stay interesting for long.
Final Byte Prediction: Notre Dame 44, Boston College 9