Traditionally and usually, 3 teams give ND fits despite inferior talent – Michigan State, Pitt and Purdue. This week will not be any different. MSU comes to South Bend with a very good defense (they usually do) and an improving offense banging out over 500 yards against Youngstown State and they found their QB – Connor Cook, who can pass and run. Regardless of who they played – the ND game is very special to their season, so they will be up – sky high.

Notre Dame, on the other hand has stumbled along in their first 3 games with Kelly and Diaco going very vanilla until it’s almost too late. He is relying on Tommy Rees to pass ND out of trouble in the 2nd half of each game and that is not good. Rees is really trying but it is just too much asking him to throw 50 times a game. Rees also can throw 5 picks in a game and since he is so immobile and can’t throw on the run, their is a great likelihood of injury which would end all hopes of a successful season.

Mark Dantonio has an interesting dilemma should MSU win the toss, but will kick off and let his defense blitz Rees unmercifully – make him complete passes behind an under performing offensive line. MSU bottles up the run in this game and ND will have to pass to win.

Notre Dame simply is not getting tough line action from either the OL or DL. I would not risk Sheldon Day(ankle) in this game – I would opt for Kona Schwenke, at least he has played a lot and he deserves a shot as a starter. ND should go with Grace as a starter – time to step it up at this ILB position.

This kid is good but he’s been standing around for 2 tears watching Manti – that’s part of the problem I have with Kelly, he just plays starters and that is no way to build quality depth. On defense, I would also move Shumate to ILB for Carlo & Fox in obvious passing situations and let’s get Jaylon Smith more involved in Blitzing the QB. Finally Tuitt – somehow or other light a fire under him. Many times he is being handled by the OT going one on one.

Kelly cannot rely on this defense to win games, they look confused and unmotivated. Kelly, also has to up tempo this offense and stop fooling around – just get the ball and go and go fast no huddle just for the hell of it.

Don’t have a good feeling about this game which could go either way.

Notre Dame 17 Michigan State 13 or the reverse.