Notre Dame vs. Michigan State: 3 bold predictions
By Jacob Wilson
In Week 4 Notre Dame football visits Michigan State in one of college football’s most historic rivalries. Here are three bold predictions for Saturday’s matchup.
Saturday’s contest will mark the 76th meeting between the two programs, a history that favors Notre Dame 46-29-1. However, Michigan State took the last game 36-28 after suppressing a wild Irish comeback.
History and the current state of both programs will combine Saturday in what is shaping up to be one of this week’s headliners. Although neither team is ranked, both teams believe that they are on the right paths back to college football relevancy.
This will be Notre Dame’s first true road test after defeating Boston College in Chestnut Hill. Michigan State has had a couple of weeks to prepare for their primetime matchup with the Irish, setting up for must-watch football Saturday night.
With both teams coming off victories they hope will springboard them to solid performances in this game, here are three bold predictions that just might come to pass.
3. Josh Adams eclipses 200 total yards
Notre Dame running back Josh Adams has run absolutely wild on opposing defenses this season, putting up at least 150 rushing yards in two out of three games so far. While this Michigan State defense is better than those such as Temple and Boston College, Adams will still have the chance to break free every once in a while.
Michigan State has done well against the run this season on paper, but have faced less than impressive opposition in Bowling Green and Western Michigan. They limited Bowling Green and Western Michigan to 67 and 116 rushing yards, respectively, but have yet to see an opposing player carry the ball over 12 times.
In comparison, Notre Dame has averaged about 42 rushes per game and has a much more capable attack. Adams has been responsible for 56 of the team’s total carries, a workload that should give him the opportunity to come close to that 200 mark.
Adams has also factored into what has been a poor receiving game for the Irish, contributing eight receptions for 69 yards, good for third on the team. His exceptional play has caused his name to surface as one of the best in college football. Should he continue his excellence into Saturday, look for the Spartans to have a real tough time keeping him in check.