Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/174228
✦ top storylines: notre dame vs. mSU Led by senior linebacker Max Bullough, the Michigan State defense is one of just three in the nation to rank in the nation's top 10 in total defense, rushing defense and scoring defense in 2011 and 2012. photo courtesy michigan state the venerated Southern bloc of Alabama, LSU, Florida and Florida State. In fact, the Spartans, Crimson Tide and Seminoles are the lone schools in the nation to rank among the NCAA FBS top 10 in total defense, rushing defense and scoring defense in 2011 and 2012. "Where they are able to do so many good things is in the back end of their defense — experience at the corner position where they can play so much man-to-man coverage," Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly said. Also noteworthy is that in 82 games under head coach Mark Dantonio, the Spartans have held their opponents below 100 yards rushing on 38 occasions (46.3 percent). Notre Dame did post 122 yards last year at Spartan Stadium and 114 in 2011 at home, but never fully established itself along the line of scrimmage. "Outstanding defensive schemes, make it very difficult to run the football," Kelly summarized. "You have to find ways to manufacture runs." This is especially true after Notre Dame managed only 91 rushing yards each of the last two weeks at Michigan and Purdue. Kelly challenged his offensive line to ratchet up their physicality last year prior to playing Stanford. Michigan State will also bring the lumber with their traditionally physical identity. "It's not like I have to stand in front of them and get them ready for this fight," Kelly said. "They know what kind of fight it's going to be. This isn't, 'Hey, guys, please listen to me this week.' They know what they are going to get from Michigan State. "It's really for us about preparing them for the multiple looks and the pressures and the things that they are going to do offensively that are a bit different from what we've seen in the past." ATTENTION IRISH FANS Packages are available for all Notre Dame home games during the 2013 season 2013 HOME GAMES Aug. 31 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 19 Nov. 2 Nov. 23 ALL HOME GAME PACKAGES INCLUDE Close Encounters After defeating the Spartans 31-13 in 2011 and 20-3 last year, Notre Dame will attempt to vanquish them by double digits a third straight season for the first time since 1991 (49-10), 1992 (52-31) and 1993 (36-14). If it's close, the Fighting Irish have held a significant advantage there recently. In its last 10 games under head coach Brian Kelly decided by seven or fewer points, Notre Dame is 9-1, highlighted by a 5-0 mark in 2012, and most recently last weekend's 31-24 victory at Purdue. Conversely, Michigan State last season lost five Big Ten games by a combined 13 points, falling to Ohio State (17‑16), Iowa (19‑16 in two overtimes), Michigan (12‑10), Nebraska (28‑24) and Northwestern (23‑20). ✦ Temple Michigan State Oklahoma USC Navy B.Y.U *Game Tickets end zone to the 40 yard line. *Two Nights Hotel *Great Customer Service Please visit www.diamondtravel.com for complete details 1.602.870.9197 DIAMOND TRAVEL 25 YEARS IN BUSINESS ✦ Page 8