Michigan State Spartans (2-0) vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (2-0) September 19, 2026 7:30 pm EDT The Line: Notre Dame Fighting Irish -30 / Michigan State Spartans 30; Over/Under: 52.5 (Get latest betting odds)
The Michigan State Spartans and Notre Dame Fighting Irish meet Saturday in week 3 college football action at Notre Dame Stadium. Here’s a Notre Dame vs. Michigan State Prediction. This article will include a Notre Dame vs. Michigan State Pick.
The Michigan State Spartans beat Toledo and Eastern Michigan and play Nebraska next. The Michigan State Spartans look for a third straight 3-0 start to a season. Alessio Milivojevic is completing 70.4 percent of his passes for 417 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Rodney Bullard Jr. and Jayden Savoury have combined for 215 receiving yards and 1 touchdown, while Chrishon McCray has 10 receptions.
The Michigan State Spartans’ ground game is averaging 204 yards per contest, and Jaziun Patterson leads the way with 46 yards and 1 touchdown. Defensively, Michigan State is allowing 13.5 points and 246 yards per game. Devin Vaught leads the Michigan State Spartans with 13 tackles, Eli Coenen has 3 sacks, and Kenny Soares Jr. has 1 interception.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish beat Wisconsin and Rice, and play Purdue next. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have won 12 straight games. CJ Carr is completing 71.4 percent of his passes for 492 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Jordan Faison and Micah Gilbert have combined for 216 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns, while Nolan James Jr. has 5 receptions.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish ground game is averaging 114.5 yards per contest, and Aneyas Williams leads the way with 119 yards and 2 touchdowns. Defensively, Notre Dame is allowing 6.5 points and 206 yards per game. Jaiden Ausberry leads the Notre Dame Fighting Irish with 12 tackles, Francis Brewu has 1 sack, and DJ McKinney has 1 interception.
Notre Dame is obviously the better team on both sides of the ball and should win comfortably, but I’m not sure about 30 points. This is still a rivalry game, and I have too much respect for Pat Fitzgerald, who was able to get a lot out of a little at Northwestern. He’ll have his guys ready, and Michigan State can still defend at an above-average level. Sparty also has a capable ground game. With defense and controlling the clock with the running game, Michigan State can hang around somewhat. I’ll take my chances with the points.