MSU wide receivers vs. Notre Dame secondary
MSU has been able to run the ball with relative ease in its first three games, averaging 6.2 yards per rush and 258 yards per game in those contests. But at some point in Saturday's game, the Spartans will need to air it out and keep pace with Notre Dame's offense. The Fighting Irish are ranked 68th in the NCAA in pass defense, so MSU's deep receiving corps should be able to get loose in the secondary. More of a concern: Notre Dame's starting safeties, Chinedum Ndukwe and Tom Zbikowski, two of the hardest hitters around. The Spartans can't afford a dropped touchdown pass like last week if they hope to defeat Notre Dame.
MSU defensive line vs. Notre Dame offensive line
Notre Dame lost the battle of the trenches to Michigan, giving up three sacks. Brady Quinn was under fire throughout the game, and the pressure forced hurried throws that led to three interceptions and one fumble. The Irish are particularly weak on the right side of the line, as a freshman starts at right tackle.
The Spartans' defensive line has shown marked improvement in each game it has played. Junior defensive end Ervin Baldwin registered a sack on MSU's first defensive play against Pittsburgh on Saturday, and MSU forced Tyler Palko to throw two interceptions. The Spartans should be able to rattle Quinn much like the Wolverines did.
Special teams
It took a diving tackle by sophomore Ryan Allison to prevent Pittsburgh from scoring on a kickoff last week. In all, Pittsburgh averaged almost 31 yards per return, and head coach John L. Smith expressed concern about kickoff coverage. Notre Dame's David Grimes is averaging about 27 yards per kickoff return this season, and safety Tom Zbikowski is one of the nation's most dangerous punt returners after averaging more than 14 yards per return last year, including two that went for touchdowns.
John L. Smith vs. Charlie Weis
Smith got the best of Weis in the first meeting between the two coaches, but just barely. Under Smith's guidance, the Spartans built a 38-17 lead. But the Irish staged a furious comeback, scoring 21 straight points in the second half to tie the game at 38-38 and force overtime. The Spartans won, 44-41.
Both coaches are skilled in building offenses, but have put defense on the back burner. The Irish were a lackluster defensive team in 2005, and 2006 hasn't seen much change — the Golden Domers gave up 47 points to U-M. The Spartans have shown some defensive improvement this season, but have yet to play an opponent of Notre Dame's caliber. MSU's win against Pittsburgh was littered with penalties — a sign that Smith has yet to instill enough discipline in the squad.
