Notre Dame Giving 10 Points To Visiting Michigan State

NFL News - September 17th, 2009 - Written by John

Both Notre Dame and Michigan State are coming into their matchup Saturday suffering from emotional losses last week. Notre Dame lost a thriller, 38-34, in the last minute to Michigan. Michigan state was upset by Central Michigan on a field goal with three seconds left in the game. They must put these two games behind them and try to avoid a 1-2 start on the season. If history looks to repeat itself, it would be a devastating start for the season for Notre Dame as the Spartans have gone into South Bend and beaten the Irish the past six years. This game is extremely important to Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis as questions regarding his job security have floated around if the Irish do not get back among the nation's elite soon. The Spartans won their meeting last year with the Irish 23-7.

Notre Dame has a very explosive offense and showed this in last week's loss, as they racked up 490 yards against the Wolverines. Quarterback Jimmy Clausen is the leader on offense as he has already passed for 651 yards and 7 touchdowns this year. The Irish will air it out against a Michigan State defense that gave up 328 yards passing last week to Central Michigan. The Irish have over 1,000 yards in their two games. Notre Dame will have to improve greatly on their defense, as they gave up 190 yards rushing to Michigan last week. To help improve, Weis was going to have the first team offense run against their defense during practice this week.

The Michigan State rushing attack has really been non-existent in their first two games and has accounted for only one touchdown. Their young group of running backs have a chance to bring it back to life as they face an Irish defense that has struggled with the run. Quarterback Kirk Cousins has thrown for 347 yards and 4 touchdowns this year. If their secondary cannot do their job on Saturday, it could be a very long day. They will be facing one of the nation's best passing attacks. They played well against the Irish last year, intercepting Clausen twice and limiting them to only seven points.

Notre Dame will enter Saturday's game as a 10 point favorite at home and the over/under is set at 55 1/2 according to BetUS Sportsbook. This heated rivalry should display a great contest. For Michigan State to come out on top, the must shut down Clausen and the Notre Dame offense.

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