Notre Dame and Michigan State are two of the most recognizable college football programs in the sport. Playing top-level national teams on a yearly basis helps both schools spread their brands and while each has struggled through periods of mediocrity in the past, both the Fighting Irish and Spartans appear to be back on the right track. Head coach Brian Kelly took the Golden Domers to the National Championship in just his third season as lead man a season ago and although the Irish fell to a superior Alabama team, Kelly returned an extremely talented team this season.
Thanks to victories over Temple and Purdue, the Irish enter the upcoming match-up with Michigan State as the No. 22 ranked team in the nation. ND's only loss came to rival Michigan 2 weeks ago and as they return home, the Blue and Gold know they'll need to be on point against 3-0 Michigan State. Sparty took down Youngstown State last weekend 55-17 and despite the fact that many felt MSU's offense was lacking, coach Mark Dantonio has finally settled on a starting quarterback. Thanks to last weekend's effort, sophomore Connor Cook - who went 15-22 passing for 202 yards and 4 TD's last week - has taken over the full-time QB duties after sharing the job with Tyler O'Connor and Andrew Maxwell.
"This will be a great experience for Cook because he's going to have an environment to play in that's going to simulate really what a lot of Big Ten environments are going to be from this point on," Mark Dantonio said regarding his starting quarterback. "That's going to be a period of growth for him."
Connor Cook will make his first start in South Bend this weekend against a loaded Notre Dame front line. Though the Irish defense continues to mold together, the defensive line led by Preseason All-Americans Stephon Tuitt and Louis Nix are capable of shutting down any opponent running game, something Brian Kelly hopes his guys are able to do this weekend in front of the home crowd.
"We're still evolving," Kelly said about some of the newer players sprinkled in among the veterans. "It takes time. Even if you've got guys that are veterans, we have some key positions that have some new players in it. They're coming together. You've got to play tough, physical football for four quarters. You've got to take care of the football. All of the little things matter in matchups like this."
With both teams playing relatively well heading into the meeting - the 76th showdown between the two since 1897 - expect this one to be another thriller between two of the biggest rivals in college football.
When and Where to Watch No. 22 Notre Dame vs. Michigan State
The Irish will welcome in the Spartans on Saturday, September 21. Kickoff is set for 3:30pm, ET from South Bend, Indiana with television coverage available through the NBC Network. Those electing to watch the game via on-line live stream may do so by following this link or by visiting NBC Sports Live.
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