The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame are off to their worst start in recent memory, but they can take a step towards changing that direction when they host the Michigan State Spartans at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday.
The Spartans are 3-0 so far this season after a tough 17-13 win at home over Pittsburgh last weekend. The defense did its part by allowing 292 yards, including only 85 through the air, and they coaxed three turnovers from the Panthers - one of which was returned for a major. Brian Hoyer was efficient by going 14-for-28 for 183 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions, while Javon Ringer (20 carries for 92 yards) and Jehuu Caulcrick (21 carries for 71 yards, one touchdown) formed an effective one-two punch out of the backfield.
But the downside to this victory for the Spartans was their run defense, which gave up 207 yards, and Hoyer's inability to get the Spartans down the field. Hoyer has some big shoes to fill after the graduation of Drew Stanton, and it will be interesting to see how the junior quarterback does under the lights of a nationally televised game.
The Irish are off to a 0-3 start after their 38-0 pummeling at the hands of Michigan last weekend, in which Notre Dame was down 31-0 by halftime. The offense was the main culprit in this loss, as freshman quarterback Jimmy Clausen was 11-for-17 for 74 yards and a pick while the Irish gained only 79 yards of total offense all day. This group also committed four turnovers, while running for a grand total of minus-six yards on the ground. While expectations for the Irish were low this season, head coach Charlie Weis is living something of a nightmare with this horrible start to the season.
The Spartans are 12-point road favorites in this week's contest, due in part to the fact that the Irish have scored only 13 points over their first three games. This will be the first road game of the season for Michigan State, and while a visit to Notre Dame is usually a difficult trip to make, the Spartans should find things relatively comfortable this weekend in South Bend.
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