Michigan State vs Notre Dame: Can the Irish finally get their first win over the Spartans?

In week three of the 2011 college football season, the Michigan State Spartans are at the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. If you have watched the Irish's first two games, then you know this is a very good football team. However, you also know they are turnover prone and have lost their first two games because of that. Michigan State enters South Bend undefeated, and the Spartans hope to remain that way following the game.



Stat Comparison of the Two Teams
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Statistics through Week 2
Rushing Offense - ranked 57th; 157.50 rushing yards per game
Passing Offense - ranked 10th; 436.50 passing yards per game
Total Offense - ranked 13th; 510.50 total yards per game
Scoring Offense - 75th ranked ; 25.50 points per game
Rushing Defense - ranked 51st; 120.00 rushing yards given up per game
Pass Defense - ranked 74th; 233.00 passing yards given up per game
Total Defense - ranked 52nd; 353.00 total yards given up per game
Scoring Defense - ranked 82nd; 29.00 points given up per game
Michigan State Spartans Statistics through Week 2
Rushing Offense - ranked 43rd; 173.50 rushing yards per game
Passing Offense - ranked 49th; 241.50 passing yards per game
Total Offense - ranked 50th; 415.00 total yards per game
Scoring Offense - ranked 42nd; 36.00 points per game
Rushing Defense - ranked 22nd; 75.00 rushing yards given up per game
Pass Defense - ranked 3rd; 76.00 passing yards given up per game
Total Defense - ranked 4th; 151.00 total yards given up per game
Scoring Defense - ranked 3rd; 3.0 points given up per game
While the statistics may suggest Michigan St should have no problem defeating Notre Dame, the are misleading. The Spartans have played all inferior teams this season. Notre Dame, on the other hand, has played two BCS opponents.

I like Notre Dame this week. There is no way they have 5 turnovers, yet again. If they can avoid the turnovers, they should be able to defeat the Spartans. Their offense has been really good and their defense has been good enough. The Irish are currently 4.5 point favorites, and I'd expect them to cover! » Michigan State vs Notre Dame: Can the Irish finally get their first win over the Spartans?