Notre Dame vs. Michigan State Could Be MUCH Closer Than Expected...

Notre Dame Fighting Irish - A to Z Sports
•September 18th, 2026
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Notre Dame football is preparing for another major matchup under the lights at Notre Dame Stadium as the No. 3 Fighting Irish take on the Michigan State Spartans.
Both teams enter the matchup 2-0, but Notre Dame is heavily favored to remain undefeated.
So how will the game actually play out?
Ryan Roberts gives his final Notre Dame vs. Michigan State score prediction, breaks down the biggest storylines to watch and explains why he expects the game to be much closer early than the final score may suggest.
Ryan's official prediction is Notre Dame 41, Michigan State 17.
That may look like another comfortable Notre Dame victory, but Ryan does not expect the Fighting Irish to dominate from the opening kickoff.
Instead, he expects Michigan State to come into Notre Dame Stadium with a physical mindset and a clear plan to run the football.
Cam Edwards is the biggest reason for that belief.
The transfer running back from UConn has already rushed for 250 yards through Michigan State's first two games, and Ryan believes Edwards is a legitimate NFL-caliber running back who could create problems early for Notre Dame.
Notre Dame's run defense has been excellent under defensive coordinator Chris Ash, but Ryan expects Michigan State to have some success on the ground before the Fighting Irish settle into the game.
The goal for Michigan State should be simple: run the football, shorten the game, avoid early turnovers and prevent Notre Dame from building a huge lead.
Ryan believes the Fighting Irish will eventually wear down Michigan State, create explosive plays through the passing game and then use those explosives to open up the running game.
He ultimately expects Notre Dame to finish with more than 200 rushing yards and cruise to a 41-17 victory.
Can Michigan State keep Notre Dame from creating an early lead? Will Cam Edwards break off explosive runs? Can Notre Dame's run defense eventually take over? And will the Fighting Irish finally get the rushing attack going?
Ryan Roberts breaks down the biggest storylines and gives his final Notre Dame vs. Michigan State prediction.
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0:00 Notre Dame vs. Michigan State Prediction
0:40 Both Teams Enter 2-0
1:16 The Spread And Why The Game Could Be Close
2:02 Final Score Prediction
2:48 Why Michigan State Could Start Fast
4:14 Why Notre Dame Could Start Slow
5:15 Cam Edwards Is A BIG Problem
6:18 Michigan State's QB And Game Plan
6:55 Notre Dame's Run Game Needs To Improve
7:34 Why Notre Dame Will Pull Away
8:10 Final 41-17 Prediction
8:53 Final Storylines To Watch
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