Historic Rivalry Renewed
No. 3 Notre Dame hosts unbeaten Michigan State in their first meeting since 2017.
Anonymous
Key Points
1
Notre Dame has largely eliminated its recent tendency to overlook lesser opponents: since a 2024 loss to Northern Illinois, the Fighting Irish are 16-0 against unranked teams, winning by an average of 34.1 points, with no opponent coming within two touchdowns.
2
Michigan State coach Pat Fitzgerald is coaching outside Northwestern for the first time since 2000, underscoring the significance of his move to lead the Spartans and the program’s investment in his first season.
3
The matchup is the 80th all-time meeting between Notre Dame and Michigan State, adding a milestone beyond Notre Dame’s pursuit of its 50th victory in the series.
4
The rivalry’s most recent notorious South Bend upset came in 2005, when Michigan State overcame Notre Dame’s comeback attempt in overtime and planted its flag at midfield.
5
Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr has a direct connection to Michigan football history: he is a Michigan native and the grandson of former Wolverines head coach Lloyd Carr.
No. 3 Notre Dame defeated Michigan State 27-10 on September 19, 2026, in the 80th all-time meeting between the rivals and their first matchup since 2017. SI.com reported that the Fighting Irish, despite being heavily favored by nearly 30 points, struggled in the first half but pulled away to improve to 3-0 and claim the Megaphone Trophy. The victory marked Notre Dame's 50th win in the series and continued its dominance over unranked opponents, now standing 16-0 with an average margin of 34.1 points since a 2024 loss to Northern Illinois.
Greathouse's Return Fuels Irish Passing Attack
Wide receiver Jaden Greathouse made an immediate impact in his return to action after a lingering hamstring injury. 247Sports reported that wideout Micah Gilbert led the Irish with eight catches for 170 yards, marking a breakout performance. Greathouse told reporters he was "feeling really good" after helping Notre Dame move the ball efficiently downfield in the second half when the game was decided.
Notre Dame Overcomes Poor First-Half Play
The Irish defense kept Michigan State scoreless until the final minutes despite a sluggish offensive start. On3 noted that Notre Dame maintained a two-score lead at halftime despite a mistake-filled first half. The Irish capitalized on the wet, windy conditions to strengthen their defensive grip. Quarterback CJ Carr, a Michigan native and grandson of former Wolverines head coach Lloyd Carr, completed 71.4% of his passes with six touchdowns and no interceptions through the first two games entering this contest.
Fitzgerald Faces Hometown Test in First Season
Michigan State coach Pat Fitzgerald, coaching outside Northwestern for the first time since 2000, acknowledged the rivalry's importance in his program rebuild. Sports Yahoo reported that Notre Dame won 27-10 in Week 3 competition. Fitzgerald told reporters that "not to play this game every year, it just stinks" for both fan bases, highlighting nine years without this matchup. His Spartans featured 62 new roster additions—32 transfers and 30 freshmen—as he rapid-builds his program.
Edwards and MSU Defense Cannot Keep Pace
Running back Cam Edwards, a UConn transfer, managed only limited carries as Notre Dame's defense controlled the line of scrimmage. South Bend Tribune noted that Notre Dame (3-0) won their 13th consecutive game at home. Freeman said Michigan State was "physical, tough" but that his team stayed disciplined. Edwards had carried Michigan State's offense through two games with 250 rushing yards and three touchdowns before facing an Irish defense determined to contain the Spartans' only reliable offensive weapon.
Sentiment
Mostly NegativeNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
77
Articles
258
Reach
335
A
AnonymousAuthor
