Michigan State Spartans (2-0) vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (2-0)
September 19, 2026 7:30 pm EDT
The Line: Notre Dame Fighting Irish -30 / Michigan State Spartans 30; Over/Under: 52.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Michigan State Spartans and Notre Dame Fighting Irish meet Saturday in week 3 college football action at Notre Dame Stadium. Here’s a Notre Dame vs. Michigan State Prediction. This article will include a Notre Dame vs. Michigan State Pick.
Michigan State Spartans Betting Preview
The Michigan State Spartans beat Toledo and Eastern Michigan and play Nebraska next. The Michigan State Spartans look for a third straight 3-0 start to a season. Alessio Milivojevic is completing 70.4 percent of his passes for 417 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Rodney Bullard Jr. and Jayden Savoury have combined for 215 receiving yards and 1 touchdown, while Chrishon McCray has 10 receptions.
The Michigan State Spartans’ ground game is averaging 204 yards per contest, and Jaziun Patterson leads the way with 46 yards and 1 touchdown. Defensively, Michigan State is allowing 13.5 points and 246 yards per game. Devin Vaught leads the Michigan State Spartans with 13 tackles, Eli Coenen has 3 sacks, and Kenny Soares Jr. has 1 interception.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Betting Preview
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish beat Wisconsin and Rice, and play Purdue next. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have won 12 straight games. CJ Carr is completing 71.4 percent of his passes for 492 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Jordan Faison and Micah Gilbert have combined for 216 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns, while Nolan James Jr. has 5 receptions.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish ground game is averaging 114.5 yards per contest, and Aneyas Williams leads the way with 119 yards and 2 touchdowns. Defensively, Notre Dame is allowing 6.5 points and 206 yards per game. Jaiden Ausberry leads the Notre Dame Fighting Irish with 12 tackles, Francis Brewu has 1 sack, and DJ McKinney has 1 interception.
Why the Notre Dame Fighting Irish will win
- Notre Dame has won each of its last 17 games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Michigan State has lost each of its last 11 games against AP-ranked teams.
- Notre Dame has covered the spread in each of its last six games as a top-15 AP-ranked team against a non-AP-ranked team at Notre Dame Stadium.
- Michigan State has failed to cover the spread in eight of its last nine games against top-5 AP-ranked teams.
- Michigan State has lost the first half in each of its last 18 games against top-10 AP-ranked teams.
- Notre Dame has won the first quarter in each of its last eight games as a top-10 AP-ranked team against a non-AP-ranked team.
Why the Michigan State Spartans will win
- Michigan State has won seven of its last eight games against non-conference opponents.
- Michigan State has covered the spread in each of its last five road games.
- Notre Dame has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five games as a top-5 AP-ranked team against a non-AP-ranked team at Notre Dame Stadium.
- Michigan State has won the first quarter in each of its last eight games against non-conference opponents.
- Michigan State has won the first half in seven of its last eight games against non-conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Eight of Michigan State’s last nine road games against top-10 AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Five of Notre Dame’s last six games against opponents from the Big Ten Conference at Notre Dame Stadium have gone UNDER the total points line.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 3, Jaden Greathouse ranks T1st amongst qualified players for catch rate (100.0%) this season.
Michigan State Spartans Player Prop Facts
- Cam Edwards has recorded 50+ rushing yards in 20 consecutive games- the longest streak in the FBS, heading into Week 3.
Matchup/League Facts
- Notre Dame ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q4 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
- Notre Dame has won the first quarter in each of its last six games- the longest active streak in the FBS.
- Michigan State ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
- Michigan State ranks 2nd among FBS teams for time of possession per game this season (37:19).
Notre Dame vs Michigan State Prediction
Notre Dame is obviously the better team on both sides of the ball and should win comfortably, but I’m not sure about 30 points. This is still a rivalry game, and I have too much respect for Pat Fitzgerald, who was able to get a lot out of a little at Northwestern. He’ll have his guys ready, and Michigan State can still defend at an above-average level. Sparty also has a capable ground game. With defense and controlling the clock with the running game, Michigan State can hang around somewhat. I’ll take my chances with the points.
