Yet again, I’m up well before the crack of dawn to watch my Irish do battle.  This time, the opponent is the highly annoying Michigan State Spartans, who inevitably put forth their best effort each year when they play the Irish (only to collapse shortly thereafter on their way to yet another disappointing season).

Happily, the Irish enter this game 2-0.  As much as I would love to see ND come out of this one victorious, I’m afraid my money is against that (literally – I put $20 on MSU -9). It’s all going to come down to the MSU running game.  The Spartans have a solid, huge offensive line that will no doubt push the undersized ND defensive line around, making plenty of room for Javon Ringer, the talented Spartan RB.  I suspect the Irish stack the box with a 3-4 and try to get the Spartans to beat them with the pass.  I feel OK about this, as the ND defensive backfield is a strong point on this team, but my guess is the front seven wear down as the game goes on.

My prediction – MSU 42, ND 24.