Notre Dame hosts Michigan State in top-5 showdown
No. 3 Notre Dame (2-0) welcomes Michigan State (2-0) on September 19 at 7:30 p.m. ET, with coverage on NBC and Peacock. The Fighting Irish are heavy favorites, listed at -29.5 on the spread, and have outscored opponents by an average of 33 points this season. The game takes place at Notre Dame Stadium.
Notre Dame enters this matchup having outscored its first two opponents by a combined 80 points, with its defense allowing just 6.5 points per game. The Fighting Irish offense has been equally potent, averaging 46.5 points and 414 total yards per contest, while the defense has limited opponents to only 206 yards per game.
Michigan State has also started strong, averaging 32.5 points and 434.5 yards per game on offense. However, the Spartans face a significant challenge against a Notre Dame defense that has been nearly impenetrable. The 29.5-point spread and the lopsided moneyline odds reflect the wide gap in perceived strength between these two unbeaten teams.
This top-5 showdown could shape early College Football Playoff positioning, as both teams enter with unblemished records. The heavy betting line may influence how casual fans engage with the game, potentially reducing viewership if the outcome seems predetermined. However, a competitive performance by Michigan State could shift national perceptions of both programs and add credibility to the Spartans' resume as they seek postseason relevance.