For the 76th time Notre Dame and Michigan State hook up on Saturday. While Notre Dame leads the overall series, these two programs have been incredibly even the past decade with each squad winning five games apiece mostly on the road. This year's games is enormous for both schools, but maybe more so for the Fighting Irish who could use a win over a top 10 team, a big road win, and a win that could legitimize them around the country. To get that win, though, they'll need to play up to their capabilities.
NOTRE DAME PREVIEW
For Notre Dame to win the offensive line must play better than they did last week. After looking like world beaters against Navy, they appeared to be anything but last week against Purdue. Now, the Boilermakers may have the best defensive line the Irish will face this season, but that's still no excuse for how poorly the line played. A strong running game, and protection of Everett Golson has to happen or ND won't have much of an offense.
The good news on the rushing attack front comes in the return of Cierre Wood who missed the first two games because of a suspension. With Wood back, Notre Dame not only gets a 1,000-yard rusher back, they get their most consistent rusher back. With Wood and Riddick in the backfield, Notre Dame's rushing attack has just become much more dangerous. Throw in a few carries for George Atkinson III and that's quite a stable to rely on.
Receiving-wise, it looks like all hands will be on deck for Saturday. Both Tyler Eifert and DaVaris Daniels left last week with injuries, but they should both play Saturday and appear to be full-go. That's great because Eifert brings an All-American caliber level of performance each week and he's the one guy that could prove to be a mismatch against a stout Spartans defense. Daniels has been the one guy that has shown a big-play ability too. Big chunk plays, as Brian Kelly says, may be important this week and Daniels is the guy that can provide them.
On defense, the Irish will have one mission--stop Le'Veon Bell. The Irish really held him in check last season holding Bell to only 27 yards on seven carries. They'll have to do much the same this season which the Irish appear capable of doing. This defense has been great against the run the first two weeks which is a good sign. Even with the young corners, they need to put the onus on Michigan State's new quarterback.
MICHIGAN STATE PREVIEW
As just stated, the big key for the Spartans on offense will be Le'Veon Bell. Bell has rushed for 280 yards and four touchdowns already this season and will probably be the best running back Notre Dame will face in 2012. He's a big back with tremendous vision and good speed. If Bell rushes for 120 yards or more, Notre Dame's chances to win probably go down significantly.
If the Irish are to be successful, they must force the game into the hands of MSU quarterback Andrew Maxwell. Maxwell has played fairly well so far completing 60.9% of his passes for 523 yards with two touchdowns and three picks. Of the three interceptions, really only one of those were truly his fault. So the numbers are pretty good. Boise State made him look average though and Notre Dame's defense will be the best he's played against in his short starting career so you want this guy to have to beat you.
The Spartans lost a lot from the receiving position the past couple of seasons so the talent is not quite at the same level. Still, that doesn't mean you can sleep on these guys. Bennie Fowler, Dion Sims and DeAnthony Arnett can all play though the numbers aren't great yet.
Defensively is where Michigan State really excels. The Spartans still have not given up an offensive touchdown this season and have held their first two opponents to 206 and 247 yards of total offense respectively and only 109 of those yards have been on the ground. This probably will be the best defense Notre Dame plays and the Irish will have to capitalize on every opportunity they get because this Spartan defense is not going to give up much.
PREDICTION
Nine of the last 12 meeting between these two have been decided by seven points or less. I expect we'll make it 10 of 13 this year as this looks like a fairly even matchup on paper. MSU has an edge of defense while I'd give a slight edge to Notre Dame on offense, especially if their running game is going. The Irish need this win for many reasons, but most importantly because it will show that Brian Kelly truly has this program going in the right direction. ND has lost six straight road games against ranked teams. Good teams find a way to win games like these consistently. ND certainly can win this one, but, in this case, they'll have to prove it before you can trust them. For that reason, I think Michigan State wins a close one.
FINAL SCORE: Michigan State - 23, Notre Dame - 21
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