This is a huge letdown spot for Notre Dame. The Irish are coming off a gutty upset beating 14th-ranked Georgia Tech at home this past Saturday. The Irish have a much bigger game on deck playing at Clemson next week.

So the Irish aren't going to be too concerned about lowly UMasss. The Minutemen, though, are dangerous under Mark Whipple. They are dangerous on offense. They nearly beat Temple losing 25-23 last week. The unbeaten Owls could be the best team in the American Athletic Conference.

UMass has covered seven of its last 10.

Notre Dame has lost six players. The Irish are down their quarterback, Malik Zaire, their leader rusher from a year ago, Tarean Folston, and safety Drue Tranquill.

These injuries have left the Irish inexperienced at quarterback and thin in the secondary. UMass is a throwing team ranking 19th in passing yards.

Notre Dame has covered only once the past six times it has played a foe with a losing record.