- Matchup: Michigan State Spartans vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish
- Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
- Venue: Notre Dame Stadium, Notre Dame, IN
- Broadcast: NBC
- Betting Odds: Fighting Irish favored by 30.5 points
- Total Points Over/Under: 52
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In this exciting clash, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (2-0) will face off against the Michigan State Spartans (2-0) at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, September 19, 2026. The Spartans are opening this game as significant underdogs, with a line set at 30.5 points. The total points for the matchup is pegged at 52.
Entering this encounter, the Michigan State Spartans boast a flawless season so far, holding a record of 2-0. In their previous outing, the Spartans triumphed over the Eastern Michigan Eagles, posting a convincing 35-7 victory. Michigan State executed 45 rushing attempts, tallying an impressive 258 yards at an average of 5.7 yards per carry. Overall, the Spartans ran 71 plays, accumulating 472 yards. Defensively, they allowed 16 completions out of 26 attempts for a total of 118 passing yards, translating to a 61.5% completion rate. Against the rush, Michigan State allowed 101 yards on 26 carries, averaging 3.9 yards per run.
On the offensive front, the Michigan State Spartans are scoring an average of 32.5 points per game. With a combined average of 204.0 rushing yards per contest, they rank 40th nationally. This season, the Spartans have amassed 869 total yards. In terms of touchdowns, they have secured 3 via the air and 4 on the ground. Overall, they have registered 50 first downs but have suffered 8 penalties amounting to 75 yards and have turned the ball over once.
Defensively, the Spartans are 38th in Division 1 regarding opponent scoring, allowing an average of 13.5 points per game. They have restricted rival offenses to 3.9 yards per rush and an average of 89.0 rushing yards per game, conceding only 178 yards on the ground over two games. In terms of passing defense, they have given up 314 yards, ranking 37th. They allow 157.0 passing yards per game and maintain a 59.6% completion rate against them, for a total of 246.0 yards allowed per game, which places them 24th nationally. This season, they’ve allowed 2 touchdowns through the air and another 2 on the ground.
The Fighting Irish are also unbeaten, entering this matchup at 2-0. In their last game, they dominated the Rice Owls, winning emphatically by 52-0. Notre Dame accumulated 478 yards on 65 plays, averaging 7.4 yards per play. On the ground, they averaged 3.7 yards per carry, rushing for a total of 118 yards across 32 attempts. Defensively, they limited the Owls to 34 rushing attempts for just 64 yards (1.9 yards per carry), and their passing defense permitted a 66.7% completion rate, giving up 64 yards on 8 of 12 passing attempts.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish average 414.0 yards per game, ranking them 67th in the nation. Their offense has incurred 61 yards of penalties through 6 infractions, placing them 132nd in Division 1 in terms of unnecessary penalties. Their ground game is averaging 114.5 yards per game, producing a cumulative 229 rushing yards this season. Notre Dame has yet to commit any turnovers and has recorded 44 first downs. They currently rank 23rd in the country with an impressive average of 46.5 points per game. Additionally, they have amassed a total of 599 passing yards, averaging 299.5 passing yards per match, positioning them 26th in Division 1.
Defensively, Notre Dame has surrendered a total of 131 rushing yards (an average of 65.5 yards per game) this season, along with 0 rushing touchdowns. They’ve allowed just 1 passing touchdown, averaging 140.5 passing yards per game, ranking them 23rd in Division 1. Their defense has forced 5 fumbles and 1 interception. With a total of 107 plays faced, they currently place 12th nationally. Their remarkable defense is allowing only 6.5 points per game, putting them at 8th in college football.
Who will emerge victorious in tonight’s anticipated Spartans vs. Fighting Irish matchup against the spread?
Prediction: Back the Fighting Irish -30.5
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