Notre Dame Football: 5 areas of concern heading into Michigan State game

2. Lackluster run defense

Through three games, Notre Dame has the No. 78 ranked run defense in college football. Not only are the Fighting Irish struggling to stop the run, but they are facing one of the best run games in the Big Ten on Saturday in Michigan State.

In fact, the Spartans have a three-headed monster at running back and a quarterback, as mentioned earlier, who can tuck and run with the ball. If Notre Dame is going to have any success, on Saturday evening, it will have to slow down that attack.

It’s not going to be easy, but it’s possible. The Irish have allowed just one 100-yard rusher this season and held Nick Chubb and Sony Michel somewhat in check in Week 2 (136 yards combined). However, this Michigan State run game will force the ball down Notre Dame’s throats early and often.

The run defense has to be a concern, especially since the Irish allowed Boston College’s Jon Hilliman to reach 122 yards. LJ Scott, Gerald Holmes and Madre London are an entirely different animal.