Notre Dame vs. Michigan State: Preview, predictions, TV schedule and more

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CHESTNUT HILL, MA – SEPTEMBER 16: Notre Dame running back Josh Adams (33) carries the ball during an a game between the Boston College Eagles and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on September 16, 2017, at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Matchups to Watch

Josh Adams vs. Michigan State’s front seven

Notre Dame running back Josh Adams is one of the nation’s best running backs. With 443 yards in just three games, he’s proven to be efficient and the co-catalyst with Wimbush on offense. Adams is about to go head-to-head with Michigan State’s defense, however, which contains teams to just 91.5 total rushing yards per game.

Adams struggled against a stout Georgia defense in Week 2, with just 53 yards on 19 carries. He smoked Temple and Boston College, but those two aren’t the most formidable foes in college football. Michigan State isn’t proven, either, especially after their 2016 issues. However, their ability to stop the run has been their bread and butter through the first two weeks and should be taken seriously.

Michigan State’s running game vs. Notre Dame’s defense

Michigan State’s running game is also worth noting. It’s not what Notre Dame’s is, but it might look like it on Saturday night.

The Fighting Irish already allow 151.7 rushing yards to their opponents. It’s an ugly early-season number, which Georga chipping in for 185 yards in Week 2, that sent this number up. Boston College even had 185 yards in a defeat.

Scott and Lewerke will give the Irish fits if a gameplan isn’t executed. With the downward trend of Brian Kelly’s defenses these past few years, look for problems to arise and contribute to the final outcome.

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