Notre Dame powered through Michigan State with a commanding second-half performance to take down the Spartans 27-10 and move to 3-0.
CJ Carr had one of his better days as the Notre Dame quarterback, posting an impressive 18-24 for 234 yards, and flashed all night with his deep ball connection to Micah Gilbert.
The wide receiver had himself a career night under the lights in South Bend, putting up career highs in receptions (8) and yards (170).
Notre Dame’s defense had itself another strong week, holding the Spartans in check besides an explosive reception in the second quarter. The Irish also came through with two interceptions from Luke Talich and Adon Shuler.
Nolan James Jr. took the majority of the snaps in the backfield, rushing 26 times for 121 yards to give some spark to a running back room that has struggled at points through September.
The first half was something of a mixed bag for the Irish. Timely offense through the air had Notre Dame moving the ball at a steady rate, and the defense forced a turnover, but an explosive play and a short field on a failed fake punt kept the Spartans hanging around.
Carr was efficient and steady as ever under center in South Bend. The quarterback needed no time to warm up either, launching a 61-yard deep ball to Gilbert on the first play of the game to set up Notre Dame.
The Irish ultimately were held to just three points as the running game was stuffed multiple times at the line.
Carr finished the half 10-14 for 123 yards, and was crucial during the Irish’s first touchdown drive. The sophomore completed two crucial fourth downs to keep the drive alive, and Nolan James Jr. finished it off with a two-yard score to put Notre Dame up 10-0.
Notre Dame’s defense for the most part handled its business in the early stages of the game. After forcing a three and out to open the game, Luke Talich flashed some range, flying over the middle to pick off Alessio Milivojevic.
The Irish failed to capitalize on the turnover however and put Michigan St. in a deep first quarter hole. Even though Notre Dame clearly wanted to as special teams coordinator Marty Biagi pulled a fake punt attempt out of his hat, and it should've worked too. Brayden Robinson took a pitch on the fake, and had a block but took the run to the inside and was brought down short of the sticks.
The defense continued to hold firm even on the short field, holding the Spartans to just three.
Notre Dame’s offense would bounce back with a 10-play scoring drive as Aneyas Williams finally getting his legs going for a dormant Irish running game in the first half. A trio of strong runs off of a 21-yard completion to Jordan Faison put Notre Dame in scoring position. Williams finished off the drive by reaching over the goal line to increase the lead to 17-3.
On the next drive, Milivojevic caught the Irish sleeping on a play action fake, hitting Rodney Bullard for a massive 53-yard completion. Cam Fancher took over under center to give the Spartans a different look, and he proved why as he cut upfield and dragged defenders into the endzone for a 15-yard score.
Now, in a game the Irish mostly controlled through 30 minutes, Michigan State found itself down seven and set to receive the ball to start the third.
Unfortunately for the Spartans, the Irish came out of the half and put them in a choke hold. After failing to do anything with the first possession, Notre Dame — backed up on its own three-yard line — went on a commanding 17-play drive to suck the life out of Michigan State.
With a steady diet of James and short connections from Carr, the Irish steadily drove down the length of the field, eating much of the third quarter clock along with it. While the offense couldn’t find the endzone, Spencer Porath knocked in a 35-yard field goal to extend the lead to two-scores.
On the other side of the field, the pass rush pinned back its ears, bringing down Milivojevic on two consecutive plays to set the offense back up with a chance to put the game out of reach.
And that’s just what Carr did as he went right back to his favorite target of the night in Gilbert. First, the quarterback hit the receiver over the middle for 28 yards before dropping a beautiful ball on Gilbert’s shoulder down the sideline for a 39-yard completion. Carr finished off the drive, keeping the snap and plowing forward for a touchdown.
Notre Dame calmly closed out the Spartans through the fourth quarter, with the pressure too much for Milivojevic and Michigan State to handle.
Next up for Notre Dame is a road matchup with Purdue. Kickoff slated for 2:00 p.m.
