Pick details
| MATCHUP | Michigan State Spartans | Notre Dame Fighting Irish |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 2-0 | 2-0 |
| Spread | +29.5 -108 | -29.5 -112 |
| Moneyline | +1800 | -5000 |
| Total | Over 52.5 (-110) | Under 52.5 (-110) |
| Where | Notre Dame Stadium, Notre Dame, IN | |
| When | Saturday, September 19, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:30 PM EDT | |
| TV | NBC | |
The Michigan State Spartans and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish will meet Saturday night in a non-conference matchup at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. Let’s take a look at this matchup from a betting perspective.
Michigan State Spartans Betting Preview
The Michigan State Spartans enter Saturday night’s matchup with an undefeated 2-0 overall win-loss record after posting victories over the Toledo Rockets and the Eastern Michigan Eagles to begin the 2026 season. While Michigan State has played quality football through two games, the level of competition rises substantially this week against a nationally ranked Notre Dame team.
The Michigan State offense has been productive in 2026. Let’s dive into the relevant team data to better shed light on my previous statement. The Spartans are averaging 32.5 points per game (39th in nation) while producing 434.5 total yards per contest. Michigan State has accumulated 230.5 passing yards and 204.0 rushing yards per game, illustrating the team’s balanced offensive attack.
Turning our attention to the defensive side of the football, Michigan State has been equally impressive. The Spartans are allowing only 13.5 points per game while surrendering 246.0 total yards per contest which ranks 15th in the country. Michigan State has limited opponents to 157 passing yards and 89 rushing yards per game through two contests.
Quarterback Alessio Milivojevic has played at a high level to open the season. Through two games played, Milivojevic has amassed 417 passing yards and three passing touchdowns. Talented running back Cam Edwards has emerged as the centerpiece of the Spartans offense, compiling 250 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. Wide receiver Rodney Bullard Jr. has also been a major contributor, amassing 10 receptions, 116 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Betting Preview
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish enter Saturday night’s contest with a 2-0 overall record after defeating the Wisconsin Badgers and the Rice Owls to begin the 2026 season.
The Notre Dame offense has performed well through two games played this season. The Fighting Irish are averaging 46.5 points per game (10th in FBS) while producing 414.0 total yards per contest. Notre Dame has generated 299.5 passing yards and 114.5 rushing yards per game, illustrating the team’s ability to create explosive plays through the air.
Notre Dame has allowed only 6.5 points per game (4th in country) this season. The Fighting Irish are surrendering 206.0 total yards per contest, including 140.5 passing yards and 65.5 rushing yards per game. Notre Dame’s defense has been one of the best units in college football through the first two weeks of the season.
Quarterback C.J. Carr has accumulated 492 passing yards and six touchdown passes through two games. Carr has completed 71.4% of his passes and has yet to throw an interception. Running back Aneyas Williams has rushed for 119 yards and two touchdowns, while wide receiver Jordan Faison leads the team with 135 receiving yards and two touchdown receptions.
Why the Michigan State Spartans will win.
• Offensive balance. Michigan State is averaging 434.5 total yards per game this season.
• Quarterback play. Alessio Milivojevic has compiled 417 passing yards and three passing touchdowns.
• Elite rushing attack. Cam Edwards has compiled 250 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns this season.
• The Michigan State Spartans are 8–5-1 ATS in the team’s last 14 games.
Why the Notre Dame Fighting Irish will win.
• Offensive production. Notre Dame is averaging 46.5 points per game this season.
• Defensive excellence. The Fighting Irish have allowed only 6.5 points per game through two contests.
• Elite quarterback play. C.J. Carr has compiled 492 yards and six touchdowns.
• Home field advantage. The Fighting Irish will play in front of their home crowd at Notre Dame Stadium.
Michigan State vs. Notre Dame Prediction
In my opinion, this matchup favors the Michigan State Spartans staying within the number (29.5). Why? Michigan State enters this contest playing quality football, averaging 32.5 points per game while allowing only 13.5 points per contest. Additionally, the Spartans have displayed offensive balance behind quarterback Alessio Milivojevic and running back Cam Edwards. While Notre Dame has been outstanding through two games and deserves its current high national ranking, I think 29.5 points is too large of a number to cover in this one. With that said, I am backing the Michigan State Spartans plus the 29.5 points in this game.
Hans Geevers's Pick: Michigan State +29.5
