Michigan State @ Notre Dame preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 18, 2010 ) Notre Dame 31, Michigan State 34

THE STORY: Notre Dame, which has lost five straight September games, tries to shake an 0-2 start when it hosts No. 15 Michigan State. The Fighting Irish are coming off a stunning, last-second 35-31 setback at Michigan. The Spartans, meanwhile, have outscored their first two opponents by a combined score of 72-6, including a 44-0 rout of Florida Atlantic last week. Michigan State has won six of its last seven games at Notre Dame Stadium.

TV: NBC. LINE: Notre Dame -5 1/2.

ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE (2-0): The Spartans haven't been tested but have looked impressive against lesser competition thus far, ranking fourth nationally in total defense (151 yards allowed per game) and third in scoring defense. Senior QB Kirk Cousins has been extremely efficient, completing 34 of 43 passes (79.1 percent) for 405 yards and three touchdowns. Much of that yardage has come on throws to WR B.J. Cunningham, who has 14 grabs for 203 yards.

ABOUT NOTRE DAME (0-2): The Fighting Irish have put up big offensive numbers, averaging 510.5 yards per game, but they have killed themselves with 10 turnovers, most in the country. Senior WR Michael Floyd, who ranks among the NCAA leaders with 25 catches for 313 yards this season, became Notre Dame's career leader in receiving yards (2,852) against Michigan. Junior RB Cierre Wood ranks 21st nationally with 238 yards rushing on 46 carries.

EXTRA POINTS

1. When unranked, the Irish are 7-11 against Michigan State.

2. The home team has won three consecutive games in the series, including Michigan State's 34-31 overtime victory last season in East Lansing. Prior to that, the road team had taken seven consecutive meetings.

3. Notre Dame is 5-4 against the Spartans when coming off a loss to Michigan.

PREDICTION: Michigan State 28, Notre Dame 20 – The Spartans figure to have a much tougher time with the Irish than they did in home games against Youngstown State and FAU, but Notre Dame has yet to prove it can avoid untimely giveaways.