Notre Dame quarterback Brandon Wimbush
An undefeated start is an undefeated start, no matter how a team wins those games, but it’s reasonable to raise questions if it feels like a certain team is playing down to their opponent.
The No. 8 ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish (3-0) will have the opportunity to put those doubts to bed when they travel to take on the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (2-1) on Saturday afternoon.
The game is scheduled to start at 12 p.m. ET and will be broadcast nationally on ABC. If you don’t have cable or can’t get to a TV, you can still watch a live stream of the game (or DVR it) on your computer, phone or streaming device by signing up for one of the following cable-free, live-TV streaming services:
In addition to a Netflix-like on-demand streaming library, Hulu also offers a bundle of 50-plus live TV channels, including ABC (live in select markets, but even if it isn’t included in your market, you’ll be able to watch the game on the ESPN digital platforms with your Hulu credentials).
You can sign up for “Hulu with Live TV” right here, and if ABC is live in your market, you can then watch a live stream of the game on your computer via the Hulu website, or on your phone, tablet or streaming device via the Hulu app. If ABC isn’t live in your market, scroll down to the “ESPN Platforms” section to see where you can watch.
If you can’t watch live, “Hulu with Live TV” also comes with 50 hours of Cloud DVR storage (with the ability to upgrade to “Enhanced Cloud DVR,” which gives you 200 hours of DVR space and the ability to fast forward through commercials).
Although ABC isn’t technically part of the Sling TV package, you can sign up for a free 7-day trial of the “Sling Orange” bundle, which includes ESPN3, and you’ll then be able to watch a live stream of the game on the ESPN digital platforms (see next section).
ESPN Platforms
You can watch a live stream of the game on your computer via ESPN.com, or on your phone, tablet or streaming device via the ESPN app. Games on ABC (labeled as ESPN3) can be watched for free without cable if you have a participating internet service provider (ISP), but even if you don’t have a participating ISP, you can still sign use your Hulu or Sling TV (or other cable TV) credentials to sign in and watch the game on the ESPN digital platforms.
Preview
Notre Dame struggled to a 22-17 victory against Kyle Shurmur and Vanderbilt last week, which raised some eyebrows. Down 16-3 at halftime, Shurmur, who threw for 326 yards with one touchdown and interception against the Fighting Irish defense, rallied his team back within one possession late in the fourth quarter. With 1:07 remaining, Notre Dame safety Jalen Elliott stripped Vanderbilt wide receiver Kalija Lipscomb on a fourth-down stop to seal the narrow win.
Senior quarterback Brandon Wimbush left a lot desired. Through the air, Wimbush only completed 13 passes for 122 yards, but he ran for 84 yards and a touchdown on the ground that ultimately proved to be the difference in the game.
Head coach Brian Kelly expects his team to be ready, though.
“We have a challenge on the road. We know we have to play at a high level to win on Saturday. … Just understanding when you’re on the road, momentum usually works against you. Those things don’t generally decide the game, it’s still about your execution and your preparation.”
Against Michigan, Ball State and Vanderbilt, Notre Dame’s defense has given up 17, 16 and 17 points respectively. Wake Forest has not had trouble scoring points this season, and boasts enough talent on offense to continue giving Notre Dame a difficult time.
Junior quarterback Kendall Hilton returns after a three-game suspension, but he will be the backup on Saturday. Freshman Sam Hartman earns the nod again after he and the Demon Deacons fell short in a shootout against Boston College last week, 41-34. Through three games, Hartman is second in the ACC with 278 passing yards per game.