Michigan State at Notre Dame - 2026 Matchup Preview
Michigan State logo Michigan State Spartans at Notre Dame Fighting IrishNotre Dame logo
Saturday, September 19th 2026 (12:00 PM EDT)
Notre Dame Stadium - Notre Dame, IN

 
Spartans (0 - 0) (0 - 0 - 0)
Coach Pat Fitzgerald (0 - 0)
Avg Score : 25 - 30 (22 - 33 on Road)
Record Prediction: 0 - 0 (#1)
'26 Opponents: (Elite: ) (Good: ) (Avg: ) (Bad: 0)
ND coming off BYE
Our Line: Notre Dame -31  (SP+ ND -28)
Projected Score: MSU: 13 - ND: 44 (57)
ND Win prob: 97% | Cover: 52%
MSU Travel: 114 miles
Fighting Irish (0 - 0) (0 - 0 - 0)
Coach Marcus Freeman (43 - 12)
Avg Score : 42 - 18 (45 - 18 @ Home)
Record Prediction: 0 - 0 (#1)
'26 Opponents: (Elite: 0) (Good: 0) (Avg: 0) (Bad: 0)
 
Michigan State's 2026 Schedule
DateMatchupSpreadTotalResultO/UCover
Sat 9/5 Michigan State vs Toledo-3
Sat 9/12 Michigan State vs Eastern Michigan-13
Sat 9/19 Michigan State at Notre Dame+31
Sat 9/26 Michigan State vs Nebraska+5
Sat 10/3 Michigan State at Wisconsin+3.5
Sat 10/10 Michigan State vs Illinois+10.5
Sat 10/17 Michigan State vs Northwestern+3
Sat 10/24 Michigan State at UCLA+2.5
BYE WEEK
Sat 11/7 Michigan State at Michigan+20
Sat 11/14 Michigan State vs Washington+18
Sat 11/21 Michigan State vs Oregon+25
Sat 11/28 Michigan State at Rutgers+3.5

Total: Elite: , Good: , Avg , Bad , Poor
Played: Elite: , Good: , Avg , Bad , Poor
Future: Elite: , Good: , Avg , Bad , Poor
Wins: Elite: , Good: , Avg: , Bad: , Poor:
Losses: Elite: , Good: , Avg: , Bad: , Poor:

Predictions for Michigan State's Schedule
Notre Dame's 2026 Schedule
DateMatchupSpreadTotalResultO/UCover
Sun 9/6 Notre Dame at Wisconsin-25
BYE WEEK
Sat 9/19 Notre Dame vs Michigan State-31
Sat 9/26 Notre Dame at Purdue-27.5
Sat 10/3 Notre Dame at North Carolina-25
Sat 10/10 Notre Dame vs Stanford-34
Sat 10/17 Notre Dame at BYU-9
BYE WEEK
Sat 11/7 Notre Dame vs Miami-6
Sat 11/14 Notre Dame vs Boston College-34
Sat 11/21 Notre Dame vs SMU-17.5
Sat 11/28 Notre Dame at Syracuse-31.5

Total: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg 0, Bad 0, Poor 0
Played: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg 0, Bad 0, Poor 0
Future: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg 0, Bad 0, Poor 0
Wins: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0
Losses: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0

Predictions for Notre Dame's Schedule
Important Stats (2025)
 Teams                  Off Explosive.Off SuccessPPGRush SuccessOL Yds Per AttRush YPGPass SuccessPass YPGOff ScoreZoneDef Explosive.Def SuccessDef PPGRunD SuccessPass D SuccessDef ScoreZonePenalty YPGTO PGDef TO PG
MSU#97 (.12)42% (79)24.642% (84)2.56 (128)12342% (67)2233.75 (64)#104 (.21)45% (115)29.947% (121)44% (103)3.91 (93)44.910.8
ND#4 (.36)49% (10)4247% (25)3.05 (50)20451% (6)2554.79 (6)#12 (.04)36% (13)17.638% (20)36% (16)2.58 (6)53.10.81.9
 Teams                  Off Explosive.Off SuccessPPGRush SuccessOL Yds Per AttRush YPGPass SuccessPass YPGOff ScoreZoneDef Explosive.Def SuccessDef PPGRunD SuccessPass D SuccessDef ScoreZonePenalty YPGTO PGDef TO PG
MSU0%0%000%000%0%0%0000
ND0%0%000%000%0%0%0000



Overall Stats 2025
 Teams                  GamesPPGPPG H/RSuccess RatePts PerOppTO1stD PGTotalYds PGRushYds PGPassYdsPGRYPARun RatePass RateRun SuccessPass SuccessHavoc RateTotal PPA
MSU Offense1224.621.641.7%3.751193451232233.847%51%42%42%18%.12
ND Defense1217.61836.4%2.581.9 - - - - - 43%56%38%36%18%.04
 Teams                  GamesPPGPPG H/RSuccess RatePts PerOppTO1stD PGTotalYds PGRushYds PGPassYdsPGRYPARun RatePass RateRun SuccessPass SuccessHavoc RateTotal PPA
MSU Defense1229.932.845.2%3.910.8 - - - - - 49%49%47%44%14%.21
ND Offense124244.749%4.790.8234602042555.953%45%47%51%13%.36

Additional Stats 2025
 Teams                  GamesPossession Time1st Downs PG3rd Down %4th Down %Penalties PGPenalty Yds PGOff TO PGDef TO PGTFL PGSacks PGD/ST TDsAvg Field Pos
Michigan State1230:1118.835%44%5.344.910.84.71.8127.3
Notre Dame1229:1722.548%55%5.553.10.81.95.82.8732.5
Run Game Stats (2026)
 Teams                  GamesRun Play RateRun Play SuccessRush Att PGRush Yds PGRush Yds Per AttRushing TDsRun Pred Pts AddedOL Yds Per Att3rd/4th & ShortFront 7 HavocRun Play Explosivness
MSU Offense1247% (90)42% (84)32.3122.73.816 (60).06 (96)2.56 (128)65% (109)13% (131)0.95 (73)
ND Defense1243% (7)38% (20) - - - - .04 (37)2.74 (39)71% (66)9% (77)0.89 (32)
 Teams                  GamesRun Play RateRun Play SuccessRush Att PGRush Yds PGRush Yds Per AttRushing TDsRun Pred Pts AddedOL Yds Per Att3rd/4th & ShortFront 7 HavocRun Play Explosivness
MSU Defense1249% (53)47% (121) - - - - .16 (101)2.87 (66)81% (125)9% (97)0.91 (44)
ND Offense1253% (38)47% (25)34.8204.45.938 (11).25 (11)3.05 (50)62% (122)8% (36)1.16 (8)

Pass Game Stats (2026)
 Teams                  GamesPassPlay RatePassPlay SuccessComp PGAtt PGYds PGYds PAYds PCTDs    Ints    PassPlays PPAPassPlays ExplPassDowns RatePassDowns Succ RatePassDowns PPADB HavocPassDowns Expl
MSU Offense1251% (52)42% (67)2031.5222.77.111.120 (50)6 (34).24 (74)1.4 (112)30% (54)30% (78).37 (44)5% (23)2.1 (49)
ND Defense1256% (133)36% (16) - - - - - - 21 (1).09 (8)1.6 (93)36% (9)26% (24).17 (17)9% (3)2.1 (84)
 Teams                  GamesPassPlay RatePassPlay SuccessComp PGAtt PGYds PGYds PAYds PCTDs    Ints    PassPlays PPAPassPlays ExplPassDowns RatePassDowns Succ RatePassDowns PPADB HavocPassDowns Expl
MSU Defense1249% (83)44% (103) - - - - - - 5 (100).32 (103)1.5 (34)29% (111)30% (74).33 (86)5% (114)2.1 (88)
ND Offense1245% (95)51% (6)18.126.8255.19.514.125 (33)6 (34).45 (10)1.7 (25)29% (37)44% (2).65 (3)5% (35)2 (65)

Michigan State's Power Ratings
Michigan State's Power Rating: -0.25  #60
Michigan State's Offense Rating: 12.05  #61
Michigan State's Defense Rating: 17.30  #69
2026 Talent Rating: 786.00  #59
Blue Chip Ratio: 12%  #6
Michigan State's 2026 Expected Record: 0.0 - 0.0
Michigan State's 2026 Overall SP+ Rating: -3.4  #82
Michigan State's Offense SP+ Rating: 26.6  #70
Michigan State's Defense SP+ Rating: 28.7  #81

Average Talent
Average Big Ten Talent Rating is 896.78
Average Power Five Talent: 885.22
Average FBS Talent: 707.18

Power Ratings Matchup
Michigan State: -0.25   Notre Dame: 29.205

SP+ Ratings Matchup
Michigan State: -3.4   Notre Dame: 24.4




Notre Dame's Power Ratings
Notre Dame's Power Rating: 29.205  #2
Notre Dame's Offense Rating: 30.81  #2
Notre Dame's Defense Rating: -2.34  #2
2026 Talent Rating: 1178.00  #2
Blue Chip Ratio: 87  #1
Notre Dame's 2026 Expected Record: 0.0 - 0.0
Notre Dame's 2026 Overall SP+ Rating: 24.4  #5
Notre Dame's Offense SP+ Rating: 40.0  #4
Notre Dame's Defense SP+ Rating: 16.3  #13

Average Talent
Average FBS Independents Talent Rating is 884
Average Power Five Talent: 885.22
Average FBS Talent: 707.18


Michigan State Scoring
Offense: 24.6 PPG
Offense on Road: 21.6
Defense: 29.9 PPG
Defense on Road: 32.8

Michigan State's 2026 Record
Record: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread: 0 - 0 - 0
Over/Under Record: 0 - 0
Record on Road: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread on Road: 0 - 0 - 0
Projected Score
Notre Dame 44
Michigan State 13

Projected Total Points: 57
Notre Dame Scoring
Offense: 42 PPG
Offense at Home: 44.7
Defense: 17.6 PPG
Defense at Home: 18

Notre Dame's 2026 Record
Record: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread: 0 - 0 - 0
Over/Under Record: 0 - 0
Record at home: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread at home: 0 - 0 - 0


YearDateHomeScoreAwayScoreSpreadCoverTotalO/U
201709/23Michigan State18Notre Dame38Notre Dame -3.5Notre Dame54.0Over
201609/17Notre Dame28Michigan State36Notre Dame -7Michigan State49.0Over
201309/21Notre Dame17Michigan State13Notre Dame -6Michigan State0
201209/15Michigan State3Notre Dame20
201109/17Notre Dame31Michigan State13
201009/18Michigan State34Notre Dame31
200909/19Notre Dame33Michigan State30
200809/20Michigan State23Notre Dame7
200709/22Notre Dame14Michigan State31
200609/23Michigan State37Notre Dame40
200509/17Notre Dame41Michigan State44
200409/18Michigan State24Notre Dame31
200309/20Notre Dame16Michigan State22
200209/21Michigan State17Notre Dame21
200109/22Notre Dame10Michigan State17
200009/22Michigan State27Notre Dame21
TeamWinsCoversO/U
Notre Dame812 Overs
Michigan State820 Unders

WinsCoversFavsDogs
Home Teams6 - 100 - 30 - 20 - 1
Road Teams10 - 63 - 01 - 02 - 0

(#60) MSU at (#2) ND
Overall StatsOvr
CategoryCatMSUND
Net PPPPPPNRNR
Power RatePwr #60 #2
SP+SP+ #82 #5
Perf GradeGradeNRNR
OffenseOffNRNR
DefenseDefNRNR
Spec TeamsSTNRNR
TalentTal #59 #2
Blue ChipsBC% #6 #1
Notre Dame Notes
(1/25) Freeman, Denbrock, QB Carr all back. Big year.
(1/25) Losing DB coach Mickens is a big loss
Notre Dame Injury Report
Michigan State on Offense
Balanced offense, Pass: 51%, Run: 47%
CategoryCat
MSU OffND Def
PPPOffPPPNRNR
Perf GradePerfNRNR
SuccessSuc #79 #13
ExplosiveExp #97 #85
PPAPPA #97 #12
PowerPwr #61 #2
SP+SP+ #70 #13
Pts POPPO #64 #6
HavocHav #115 #19
Michigan State Run Game
Balanced offense, Pass: 51%, Run: 47%
CategoryCat
MSU OffND Def
Run GameRunNRNR
Run SuccessRSuc #84 #20
Run ExplRExp #73 #32
PPAExp #96 #37
Run BlockR BlkNR -
OL YdsOLY #128 #39
Stuff RateStuff #132 #74
TackleTak - NR
Michigan State Pass Game
Balanced offense, Pass: 51%, Run: 47%
CategoryCat
MSU OffND Def
Pass GamePassNRNR
Pass SuccessPSuc #67 #16
Pass ExplPExl #112 #93
PPAExp #74 #8
Pass Rush/BlockP BlkNRNR
F7 HavocF7 #131 #77
DB HavocDB #23 #3
Notre Dame on Offense
Balanced offense, Pass: 45%, Run: 53%
CategoryCatND OffMSU Def
PPPDefPPPNRNR
Perf GradePerfNRNR
SuccessSuc #10 #115
ExplosiveExp #3 #30
PPAPPA #4 #104
PowerPwr #2 #69
SP+SP+ #4 #81
Pts POPPO #6 #93
HavocHav #36 #110
Notre Dame Run Game
Balanced offense, Pass: 45%, Run: 53%
CategoryCat
ND OffMSU Def
Run GameRunNRNR
Run SuccessRSuc #25 #121
Run ExplRExp #8 #44
PPAExp #11 #101
Run BlockR BlkNR -
OL YdsOLY #50 #66
Stuff RateStuff #101 #104
TackleTak - NR
Notre Dame Pass Game
Balanced offense, Pass: 45%, Run: 53%
CategoryCatND OffMSU Def
Pass GamePassNRNR
Pass SuccessPSuc #6 #103
Pass ExplPExl #25 #34
PPAExp #10 #103
Pass Block/RushP BlkNRNR
F7 HavocF7 #36 #97
DB HavocDB #35 #114
Program Comparison
ND 5 Year Profile: Consistent Title Contenders
'26 Profile: Up to CFB Elites

MSU 5 Year Profile: Consistent Average G5
'26 Profile: Remains Average G5

Weather Forecast
Playing in Notre Dame Stadium
Conditions:
Temp: 0°
No Matchups Past 4 Years
  
MSU's OC Nick Sheridan (in his first season)
Player NameCOMPATTPCTYDSTDINTYPA
Alessio Milivojevic11117364%12671037.3
Cam Fancher (Tr)417257%333004.6
Player NameCARYDSTDYPCLONG
Camryn Edwards2101240155.973
Brandon Tullis6829744.435
Jaziun Patterson (Tr)6029604.917
Cam Fancher (Tr)3117015.525
Player NameRECYDSTDYPCLONG
Chrishon Mccray24330313.845
Camryn Edwards1918619.834
KK Smith (Tr)8123215.434
Brandon Tullis118207.524

View Michigan State's Full Roster

MSU's DC Joe Rossi (been DC for 3 years)
Top DefTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Jordan Hall885321
Kenny Soares Jr. (Tr)804162
Dion Crawford (Tr)795431
Malik Spencer523215
SacksTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Dion Crawford (Tr)795431
Jordan Hall885321
Malik Spencer523215
Anelu Lafaele72210
Pass DTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Malik Spencer523215
Michael Richard Jr.385003
Tre Bell (Tr)364002

ND's OC Mike Denbrock (been OC for 3 years)
Player NameCOMPATTPCTYDSTDINTYPA
C.J. Carr19529367%27412469.4
Jordan Faison11100%400040.0
Player NameCARYDSTDYPCLONG
Aneyas Williams2422459.354
Nolan James Jr.143702.615
C.J. Carr413330.828
Jordan Faison1-80-8.00
Player NameRECYDSTDYPCLONG
Jordan Faison49640413.154
Micah Gilbert993110.326
Mylan Graham (Tr)693015.523
Luke Talich184184.084

View Notre Dame's Full Roster

ND's DC Chris Ash (in his second season)
Top DefTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Drayk Bowen675423
Adon Shuler522125
Jaiden Ausberry514250
Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa488352
SacksTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Boubacar Traore3710780
Drayk Bowen675423
Jaylen Sneed355330
Keon Keeley (Tr)133311
Pass DTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Christian Gray1810010
Leonard Moore310007
Adon Shuler522125