BIG EAST FOOTBALL PREVIEW: GAME #3 NOTRE DAME

September 19, 2008


For one weekend, at least, Notre Dame seemed to awake the echoes as they took advantage of numerous Michigan mistakes in a 35-17 win over the rival Wolverines. Now, the Irish hit the road to face Michigan State as a pretty heavy road underdog, according to the latest College Football Betting lines.

We definitely saw improvement from the Irish last week, but their win was more due to what Michigan did wrong (6 turnovers) than anything ND was able to do. Their offense was still anemic with just 260 total yards and 14 first downs. Bottom line is, they just are not a good football team, Michigan was just worse and couldn't get out of their own way.

Michigan State is not an overly impressive squad either, but they will not give the game away, especially on their home fild, like the Wolverines did. Look for the Spartans to be conservative, riding Javon Ringer and utilizing short passes, to control the ball and wear down the Irish.

Notre Dame is an 8 and a half point underdog, look for the game to remain close, mostly due to Michigan State controlling the ball and not putting the Irish away, rather than Notre Dame doing anything spectacular to earn an upset road win.

Prediction:

Michigan State 20
Notre Dame 16