Notre Dame has a significant advantage in talent and overall personnel in this Monday night matchup, and the Fighting Irish should be able to use their home-court advantage to establish control early in this early season non-conference tilt.

Eastern Illinois returns just 8% of its scoring from last season and lost its three leading scorers. Notre Dame addressed its roster losses through the transfer portal, bringing in Logan Duncomb, who averaged 18.3 points and 8.9 rebounds at Winthrop, and Ethan Roberts, who averaged 16.9 points at Penn while shooting 40.4% from three-point range. 

The Irish also have Braeden Shrewsberry, who shot 40.2% from beyond the arc last season. Eastern Illinois was beaten 91-57 by Indiana, while Notre Dame defeated Mercyhurst 83-56 after opening the season with a victory over Villanova.

Gotta lay the points with Notre Dame because the Irish have considerably more proven offensive talent, a significant advantage in frontcourt personnel and the home-court edge. The one caution is that Eastern Illinois covered against Indiana despite losing by 34, and Notre Dame failed to cover against the Panthers in last year's 78-58 meeting.

Nevertheless, the current Eastern Illinois roster has undergone substantial turnover, and the Irish's improved personnel can create a much wider separation this time around.

Go with the Fighting Irish to control the game from the opening tip and deliver a convincing home victory.