Notre Dame could be in for rude awakening

Play Q & A with handicapper Kelly Stewart, who will answer selected questions from Las Vegas Review-Journal readers. Email her at Askkelly@reviewjournal.com.

Q: The line looks high on the Notre Dame-Oklahoma game at 10½. Can you explain it, and which side do you like?

– Jim, Las Vegas

A: I think the line looks high because of the public perception of Notre Dame, which is ranked No. 5. There’s no doubt the Irish defense is good. But they have stopped some mediocre offenses, holding seven opponents to 9.4 points per game, and those teams are not Oklahoma. Landry Jones seems to be over his early-season problems, and he’s a better quarterback at home. The Sooners are scoring 44.7 points per game.

Unlike Notre Dame, Oklahoma has been increasingly good the past few weeks, blowing out Texas Tech, Texas and Kansas. The Irish offense struggled recently with Brigham Young and Stanford. I think ND is in for a rude awakening Saturday night in Norman.

Q: Are you sold on the Saints’ two-game winning streak being for real, and will you be betting the New Orleans-Denver game?

– Greg, Las Vegas

A: I’m not sold on the Saints yet, but I do think they’re starting to come around. The past two weeks, Drew Brees has put on an awesome offensive performance, and his receivers are starting to come alive. But I’m less than impressed with the New Orleans defense, which ranks dead last in the NFL and allows 30.3 points per game.

For the Saints to beat Peyton Manning in Denver, the defense will have to figure it out quickly. As far as betting the game, I feel like the line should be Denver minus-1. I’m probably taking the ‘dog because six points is too many.

Q: Do you typically bet more on college football or the NFL? If you don’t mind saying, what is your average bet?

– Albert, Laughlin

A: I am much better at capping college football than I am the NFL. So naturally, I do bet more on college. I guess my average bet would be around $750. I bet anywhere from $500 to $1,000 per game. I’m not afraid to fire away because I’m confident in my information and opinions.

Kelly Stewart of Hottiehandicappers.com can be reached at Askkelly@reviewjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter: @kellyinvegas.