Previewing Michigan State (2-0) at Notre Dame (0-2)

Michigan State (2-0) at Notre Dame (0-2)

When: 2:40 p.m. at Notre Dame Stadium

TV: NBC

Radio: WLS 890-AM

Series: Notre Dame leads 45-28-1.

Coaches: Mark Dantonio (35-19, fifth year at MSU; 53-36 overall); Brian Kelly (8-7, second year at ND; 179-64-2 overall).

Players to watch: Michigan State QB (and former Barrington resident) Kirk Cousins has completed 34 of 42 passes for 405 yards and 3 scores. He ranks 15th nationally in passer efficiency (181.21 rating). Several knowledgeable folks believe Edwin Baker is the Big Ten's finest runner, but he has just 24 carries under his belt this year (for 141 yards and 1 TD). All-Big Ten kicker Dan Conroy (Wheaton Warrenville South) is off to an uncertain start as he has hit 2 of 4 FGAs. He missed just one kick all last year.

Notre Dame has thrown the ball all over the lot since Tommy Rees took over for Dayne Crist. The true soph has 51 completions in 73 tries for 611 yards, 5 TDs and 4 INTs. The last number shares the national lead. WR Michael Floyd has yet to meet his match (25 catches, 313 yards, 2 TDs). Only one player has more catches than Floyd. Theo Riddick caught 10 passes for 128 yards and 1 TD in last year's overtime loss at Michigan State.

The skinny: Michigan State's defense enjoyed an absurd afternoon against Florida Atlantic last week as it allowed just 1 first down and 48 total yards. Notre Dame's defense, meanwhile, endured an embarrassing late night at Michigan as it allowed 80 yards and the game-winning touchdown — in the final 30 seconds alone. While the 15th-ranked Spartans aren't quite that good, the Irish haven't done anything to suggest they're not quite that bad. Even if Notre Dame builds a lead, there'll be a nagging feeling the defense can't make it hold up ... and the offense won't stop turning over the ball.

Fast fact: The Irish committed SEVEN more turnovers than their foes in the first two weeks. That's last out of 120 Football Bowl Subdivision teams. Michigan State forced just 1 turnover in the first two weeks.

— Lindsey Willhite