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| Le'Veon Bell run over the Irish?. (US Presswire) |
MICHIGAN STATE WILL WIN IF: While it's not imperative, Michigan State would do itself a large favor if it can figure out the passing game this weekend against the Irish. Andrew Maxwell threw for 275 yards and a couple of scores against Central Michigan, but he's thrown more interceptions than touchdowns so far. This is a Notre Dame secondary that is begging to be taken advantage of and hasn't truly been tested.
On defense the Spartans don't have to do much they don't normally do. It's a unit that's strong up front, in the middle and in the back, and it's also a defense that will happily try to take advantage of a redshirt freshman quarterback in Everett Golson.
NOTRE DAME WILL WIN IF: The Irish will get a boost on offense this week with Cierre Wood returning from suspension, and they'll need Wood to find room to run against a very strong Michigan State defense. The biggest test for the Irish on offense will be how Golson responds to the pressure he's likely to face.
Golson had trouble last week when Purdue pressured him, and Michigan State's defense can attack in a lot more ways. It'll be imperative for Golson to limit turnovers.
On defense it's simple: stop Le'Veon Bell. Notre Dame's secondary is not experienced, but neither are Michigan State's receivers, so forcing the Spartans to attack through the air is likely the best bet.
X-FACTOR: Tommy Rees. Golson is still the starter for the Irish, but when Notre Dame needed a game-winning drive in the final minutes against Purdue, it was Rees who came on to lead the offense. If Golson struggles, you can expect Rees will see some time under center.
