College football player prop: No doubting Thomas

The “Aer Lingus College Football Classic” might not roll off the tongue, but that’s the official name of the game that opens the 2023 season. Because the pandemic forced relocation and then cancellation of a planned renewal of the rivalry three years ago, Notre Dame and Navy are set to battle in Ireland for the first time since 2012. And while fans of the Fighting Irish appreciate the majesty of a game contested in Dublin, loyalists to the King of Props hope to be doublin’ their money with today’s top prop:

The bet: Over 50½ receiving yards for Notre Dame wide receiver Jayden Thomas (Bally’s)

With All-American tight end Michael Mayer now playing for the Raiders, the role of top target seemingly belongs to Thomas. Although he finished last season with just 361 receiving yards, that’s the highest total of any returning pass catcher for the Irish.

Notre Dame enthusiastically welcomes a new quarterback in sixth-year senior Sam Hartman, who started for five seasons at Wake Forest. He has shown a partiality for Thomas, and their chemistry was quite evident at the Blue-Gold Game this spring. The pair connected four times for 71 yards and a touchdown — all in the first half — and Hartman pantomimed taking Thomas’ picture after the score.

Meanwhile, Navy is suspect in the secondary, having allowed 251 passing yards per game last year. The Irish are favored by three touchdowns in this matchup for several reasons, and the playmaking ability of Thomas is undoubtedly one of them.