Notre Dame-Michigan State Preview

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Michigan State Spartans will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Spartan Stadium. Oddsmakers currently have the Spartans listed as 9-point favorites versus the Fighting Irish, while the game's total is sitting at 49. A Brian Smith fumble return for a touchdown at the start of the fourth quarter helped seal a 35-17 Notre Dame win over Michigan in Week 3. The Irish pulled off that upset by covering the 1.5-point spread, while the combined score played over the posted total of 37. Javon Ringer was the story in Week 3 as he ran for two touchdowns to lead Michigan State to a 17-0 victory against the Florida Atlantic Owls. Despite the win the Spartans failed to cover the 18-point spread, and the points played well UNDER the posted total of 61. Current streak: Notre Dame has won 2 straight games. Michigan State has won 2 straight games. Team records: Notre Dame: 2-0 SU, 1-1 ATS Michigan State: 2-1 SU, 1-2 ATS Notre Dame most recently: When playing in September are 4-6 When playing on grass are 5-5 After being outgained are 3-7 When playing outside the conference are 5-5 Michigan State most recently: When playing in September are 7-3 When playing on grass are 6-4 After outgaining opponent are 5-5 When playing outside the conference are 7-3 A few trends to consider: The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Notre Dame's last 5 games on the road Notre Dame is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games The total has gone OVER in 4 of Notre Dame's last 5 games when playing Michigan State Notre Dame is 14-7 SU in its last 21 games on the road Michigan State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home The total has gone OVER in 4 of Michigan State's last 5 games when playing Notre Dame Michigan State is 8-2-1 ATS in its last 11 games when playing Notre Dame Michigan State is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Notre Dame Next up: Notre Dame home to Purdue, Saturday, September 27 Michigan State at Indiana, Saturday, September 27