Notre Dame vs. Oregon State: Sun Bowl prediction, pick

For the first time in almost 20 seasons, we're set to see a matchup between Notre Dame and Oregon State on the same field as the Fighting Irish and Beavers square off in the 2023 Sun Bowl. And it's a game loaded with turnover: both teams will start new quarterbacks, the Irish are getting a new offensive coordinator, and the Beavers lost their head coach and will lose their entire conference when realignment becomes official this summer.

• Notre Dame: Irish went 2-2 against ranked teams, going 9-3 overall, ranking 9th nationally in both scoring offense (38.6 ppg) and defense (16.6 ppg).
• Oregon State: Just 6 combined points kept the Beavers from being undefeated after two losses, but two more to end the year, against Washington and Oregon, dropped OSU to four defeats and a 4th place finish in the Pac-12

Notre Dame vs. Oregon State prediction, preview

When: Fri., Dec. 29
Time: 2 p.m. Eastern
TV: CBS network
are going pro. Oregon State won't have linebacker Easton Mascarenas roving around the line, but is still formidable when pressuring the quarterback, placing top-10 nationally with 36 sacks recorded.

2. Change at QB. Oregon State lost DJ Uiagalelei to the transfer portal, but doesn't lack too badly for experience in his replacement, Ben Gulbranson. The redshirt sophomore started eight games a year ago, going 7-1 in that time and hitting more than 62% of his throws with 9 touchdowns. Notre Dame is elite against the pass, ranking 4th nationally in production, allowing just over 5 yards per pass and just 7 touchdowns in the air all season.

3. Beavers' absences. In addition to not having its quarterback, Oregon State is without lead rusher Damien Martinez, who is eligible to play after an arrest and suspension, but won't appear in the game. Neither will three key receivers — Anthony Gould, Jack Velling, and Jesiah Irish — although wideout Silas Bolden and back Deshaun Fenwick will be on the field.

Notre Dame vs. Oregon State prediction

Not having its starting quarterback, starting tackles, or starting tailback could finally prove too much for Notre Dame to overcome, especially with the Beavers fielding a quarterback of considerably more experience. But the Irish still have the bulk of a very elite air defense — seven of its leading tacklers should be on the field.

• Notre Dame wins 27-20
• Covers the spread
• And hits the over