To topple Pat Fitzgerald’s stout defense, the Fighting Irish must establish an early rhythm, ignite a stagnant ground game, and unleash explosive plays to maintain their winning streak.
Notre Dame (2-0) will look to win its 13 straight game - and third of the 2026 season - when it takes on Michigan State (2-0) this evening. The 3rd-ranked Fighting Irish have been good on offense so far this season, but the unit still has a lot of room for improvement. It will get that chance against the Spartans, who are giving up just 13.5 points per game and showing early defensive improvement in year one of the Pat Fitzgerald era in East Lansing.
If the Irish offense is going to play dominant football against the Spartans it will need to thrive in four key areas.
1) Start Fast - This key hasn't changed for Notre Dame, but its performance last week against Rice was a big step in the right direction. Starting fast isn't about scoring on the opening drive, it's about getting into an early rhythm and stringing multiple early scoring drives together. If the Irish offense comes out hot it's almost impossible to beat this team, especially when you consider how good the defense has played.
Since the start of 2024, Notre Dame has gone 14-1 and averaged 47.8 points per game when it scores on at least three of its first five possessions. The only loss was the 41-40 loss to Texas A&M last season. The Irish are 12-3 and averaged just 30.5 points per game when it failed to meet that mark, which includes a 3-3 record when it scores just once in its first five possessions.
A fast start tonight helps the offense build some much needed confidence and puts the Michigan State offense in a situation where it has to play catch up, which is not where they want to be.
2) Line Has To Finally Show Up - Notre Dame's offensive line has been good in pass protection so far this season, but run blocking has been subpar. In fact, outside of the second half against Wisconsin I'd argue the run game has been straight bad. While the running backs are taking a lot of heat, the reality is the offensive line has not played nearly well enough for the results to be any different.
We saw the same struggles last season and for two of the first three games of the 2024 season. The reasons for the slow starts will need to be studied by the staff in the offseason, but the focus for tonight is the offensive line finally showing up and starting to show that it can play to its potential. The hope is that a second straight game with the same starting lineup will allow the line to start building cohesiveness, and hopefully line coach Joe Rudolph prepared this group to play a more physical style of play this week.
If the offensive line plays the way it should the offense will roll in this game.
3) Create Explosives - Notre Dame struggled creating big plays in the win over Wisconsin, something that will need to change against better opponents. That needs to start tonight against Michigan State. Notre Dame needs to be willing to probe the MSU defense early and look for opportunities to get the ball down the field. Michigan State is also vulnerable to double moves and post-snap switch situations, which means that needs to be part of the pass game this week.
The big play struggles have been especially apparent in the run game. Notre Dame has yet to rip off a run of at least 20 yards, something that must change, and chance in a hurry. Better blocking and better decision making by the backs are needed, as is adjustments in the run game. The run game scheme has been dull, but the footwork from the backs hasn't always matched the run call, either. Adjustments are needed, and hopefully tonight we see that.
4) Protect the Football - Rain is expected in the game, which means protecting the ball is of the utmost importance for Notre Dame. If they can protect the ball the Irish will be tough to beat.
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