JEFF ALLEN GAME PREVIEW: MICHIGAN STATE at NOTRE DAME
Michigan State and Notre Dame renew an old rivalry Saturday as the No.12 Spartans travel to
South Bend to face the No.18 Fighting Irish in prime time. The teams meet for the first time after
a two year break but the teams gave played frequently over the past 25 years with Michigan State
holding a 11-9 SU and 12-6-2 ATS edge, 6-4 SU and 7-2 ATS under the Golden Dome. Mich State
has had extra time to prepare with a bye after their 28-13 walk through versus Furman. The Irish
have split two games, thumping Nevada and dropping a 50-47 double-OT decision at Texas.
The current Vegas line is currently Notre Dame -7.5, unchanged from the opener. The high low
opened at 52.5 and is now 54 1/2. The extended forecast calls for thunderstorms at game time
with temperatures in the mid 70s and winds in the 12-15 MPH range. Take this into consideration
when you make your own plays. Kickoff is at 7:30 PM EST on NBC.
Michigan HC Mike Dantoni has a reputation for making the most of extra time, especially in big
games. This is QB Tyler O’Connor’s first road start but he is a senior that did long apprenticeship
under Connor Cook. He’ll have a deep stable of running backs to hand off to and veteran offensive
line. The defense has been bolstered by LB Ed Davis who was granted a 6th year injury exemption
by the NCAA. This is a Spartan team that could be flying under the radar.
It looks like Brian Kelly has settled on Kizer as his primary quarterback. The Irish perfectly balanced
offense (445 rushing and 443 passing) is led by the 1-2 punch out of the backfield of Folston and
Adams. The offense caught a break when Sr. WR Torii Hunter was released from concussion
protocal. The defense needs to step up here but is currently giving up 186 per on the ground and
241 through the air, just (87/89) just 91st in the FBS.
A touchdown plus is a lot to give the Mike Dantoni coached Spartans, especially with extra time.
We’re not exactly sure what we have with Spartans who just went through the motions in the opener.
We know that the Irish defense is suspect at best and that the Irish offense will get theirs. Would
like to have gotten the opening number of 52.5 and played under but will still lean the over at 54.5
before the horse gets out of the barn.