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Michigan State vs. Notre Dame: Undefeated Spartans Face No. 3 Irish in Week 3 Showdown

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r/CFB - Notre Dame Football: Notre Dame will play home and home with Michigan State in September 19, 2026 and September 18, 2027

Michigan State vs. Notre Dame: Undefeated Spartans Face No. 3 Irish in Week 3 Showdown

Battle for the Megaphone Renewed as Both Teams Enter 2-0

No. 3 Notre Dame hosts Michigan State on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 7:30 p.m. ET from Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana, in a matchup of undefeated programs. The game will air live on NBC and stream simultaneously on Peacock, marking the third straight week of Notre Dame football on NBC Sports.

Both teams enter Week 3 at 2-0. The Fighting Irish, led by head coach Marcus Freeman and quarterback C.J. Carr, have opened the season with a 41-13 win over Wisconsin at Lambeau Field and a 52-0 rout of Rice. Carr, a potential Heisman Trophy contender, has completed 35 of 49 passes for 492 yards and six touchdowns through two games.

Michigan State is in its first year under head coach Pat Fitzgerald, the former Northwestern coach. The Spartans are also 2-0 but enter the game as heavy underdogs. According to DraftKings, Notre Dame is a 28.5-point favorite, with the money line at Notre Dame -5000 and Michigan State +1800. The over/under is set at 51.5 points.

How to Watch

Context: Rivalry Renewed After Nine-Year Hiatus

First Meeting Since 2017

This marks the first meeting in the Battle for the Megaphone rivalry since 2017. The two programs have a long history of familiarity, but Saturday's game represents a rare recent clash between the Big Ten Spartans and the independent Fighting Irish.

Notre Dame declined to participate in last season's bowl games after failing to be selected for the College Football Playoff. The team has looked determined to avoid missing the playoff a second time, dominating its first two opponents. The Irish defense has been particularly stout, pitching a shutout against Rice. Key players to watch include linebackers Jaiden Ausberry and Drayk Bowen.

Michigan State, meanwhile, is navigating a transitional season under Fitzgerald. The Spartans will rely on defensive standouts Devin Vaught and Brad Pretzlaff to slow down Notre Dame's high-powered offense. Despite the long odds, Michigan State enters the game with confidence after starting the season 2-0.

Stakes for Both Programs

For Notre Dame, a win would keep the Irish firmly in the national championship conversation and maintain their positioning in the College Football Playoff race. A loss to an unranked Big Ten team would be a significant setback for a program with playoff aspirations.

For Michigan State, the game represents an early opportunity to make a statement under a new coaching staff. A competitive showing—or an upset—would signal progress in Year 1 of the Fitzgerald era. The Spartans are looking to reestablish themselves as a factor in the Big Ten and on the national stage.

Perspective: What This Game Means Beyond Week 3

Notre Dame's Playoff Path

Notre Dame's schedule is designed to build a playoff resume. The Irish have already dispatched Wisconsin and Rice and will face tougher opponents later in the season. A convincing win over Michigan State would reinforce the narrative that Notre Dame is a legitimate national title contender. Carr's development at quarterback is central to that story. If he continues his efficient play—six touchdowns and zero interceptions through two games—the Irish offense will be difficult to stop.

Michigan State's Rebuild Under Fitzgerald

Michigan State's 2-0 start has provided early optimism, but the true test comes Saturday. Fitzgerald, who spent years building Northwestern into a competitive program, is tasked with reviving a Spartans team that has struggled in recent seasons. A strong performance against a top-five opponent—even in a loss—could serve as a recruiting tool and a confidence boost for a roster in transition.

Broader Big Ten Implications

While this is a non-conference game for Michigan State, it carries weight for the Big Ten's national perception. A Spartans upset would boost the conference's reputation, while a Notre Dame blowout would reinforce the Irish's standing as an independent powerhouse. The game also highlights the ongoing debate about scheduling and playoff selection, as Notre Dame's independence allows it to craft a schedule that maximizes its playoff chances without a conference championship game.

Betting and Analytics

The SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates every FBS game 10,000 times, has been upgraded for the 2026 season to better account for the transfer portal. The model is on a 33-21 run on top-rated college football money-line picks since the 2024 season. Bettors and analysts will be watching to see if Michigan State can cover the 28.5-point spread or if Notre Dame will continue its dominant start.

What's Next

Following Saturday's game, Notre Dame will continue its home schedule, while Michigan State returns to Big Ten play. For the Irish, the focus remains on the College Football Playoff. For the Spartans, the goal is to build momentum and establish an identity under Fitzgerald. Saturday's result will provide the first real benchmark for both programs in 2026.

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