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yards with one touchdown and one interception in Notre Dame's 31-13 victory at home in 2011. One of the storylines to watch is whether Spartans defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi adopts Michigan's game plan against the Irish, one that allowed Rees to complete short and intermediate passes, but focused on not surrendering the big play. Advantage: Even Special Teams One constant throughout former Spartans head coach John L. Smith and Dantonio's regimes is the excellent special teams the program boasts year after year. Despite the loss of three-year starting kicker Dan Conroy, Michigan State seems poised to continue that trend in 2013. In Conroy's place is fifth-year senior Kevin Muma, who has yet to be tested on the road or in a close game. Junior Kyle Brindza seems to have locked down the starting kicking position while juggling that job along with punting and kickoff duties. Notre Dame's punt return game behind Jones has already proved to be an improvement over past units under Kelly, with Jones averaging 10.2 yards on four returns thus far. Advantage: Even Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio won three of his first four matchups with Notre Dame, but the Spartans were blown out by the Irish each of the past two years. photo courtesy michigan state Notre Dame senior wide receiver TJ Jones, who leads the team in receptions (19 for 289 yards) and has been praised by Kelly as Notre Dame's go-to receiver along with emerging junior DaVaris Daniels, who has hauled in two touchdown passes in two of Notre Dame's first three games. Despite the Irish winning by double digits the past two years, Michigan State's secondary largely held the Irish quarterbacks in check. Everett Golson started last year's contest in East Lansing and was 14-of-32 passing for 178 yards with a touchdown, while senior quarterback Tommy Rees finished 18-of-26 passing for 161 Coaching Dantonio claimed three of the first four matchups against Notre Dame after taking over for Smith in 2007. Kelly, however, has won the last two games by double-digit totals following Michigan State's overtime win at Spartan Stadium in 2010 behind Dantonio's fake field goal. Both coaches are highly regarded across the nation and have been upgrades over their predecessors. Dantonio led the Spartans to consecutive 11-win seasons before offensive struggles led to a 7-6 finish a year ago. The Spartans are consistently one of Notre Dame's most physical opponents, and this will be the final matchup between the coaches until 2016. Advantage: Even Intangibles With the exception of the past two years, the Notre Dame-Michigan State series often produces one of the most thrilling finishes each year. Nine of the last 13 meetings have been decided by single digits, and four of the past eight by a field goal. ✦ Page 4 The Irish have won consecutive matchups at Notre Dame Stadium after Michigan State won a record six straight in South Bend. The momentum in this series seems to have shifted the past two years under Kelly. Advantage: Notre Dame Predictions Tom Loy: Notre Dame 34, Michigan State 17 While they are playing quality defensive football, the Spartans haven't done much offensively against a couple below average defenses. Notre Dame has moved the ball on offense, but has been average on defense. Pivotal to this game will be the play of quarterback Tommy Rees, especially if the Irish can't run. He has been throwing the ball with confidence. If the passing game can be productive, the Irish should win by three scores. Dan Murphy: Notre Dame 23, Michigan State 10 The Spartans' offense will have a hard time establishing themselves against the front seven in South Bend. Notre Dame's trouble in the red zone won't be easy to cure against a Michigan State defense with no soft spots. All signs point to another low scoring affair between the two teams. They combined for 23 points last year. A few big plays and a busy day for kicker Kyle Brindza will carry the Irish to their third straight win in the series. Andrew Owens: Notre Dame 24, Michigan State 13 The fake field goal. The comeback in the rain. The flag planting. This matchup has provided many iconic moments and will be missed during the upcoming twoyear hiatus. If Michigan State's season to date is any indication, this one should not be close. The Spartans can't decide on a quarterback and rely on their defense for points. The only way they can win is if Tommy Rees reverts to his 2011 form and does not protect the football. Lou Somogyi: Notre Dame 23, Michigan State 13 Boston College, Purdue, Pittsburgh and Michigan State. Those four seldom are classified as marquee games on Notre Dame schedules, but you can count on at least four years out of five that one of their two or three best games of the season will be against the Fighting Irish. The Spartans' offense might not have the firepower this year to hang with Notre Dame, but if the defense or special teams generate a score, it could get dicey.

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