The game for the megaphone trophy, a college football rivalry between Michigan State University and Notre Dame is Saturday at 3:30 eastern. The Trophy Series dating back to 1897, is led by Notre Dame 44-26.
Charlie Weis knows that his young squad will have its hands full. From his owns words during Tuesday's press conference, "MSU's quarterback, Bryan Hoyer, is very very mature at this point. Their running back, Javon Ringer, already has 9 touchdowns in 3 games and is definitely one of the best in the country. " When I look at it from my biased view however, against a caliber team, Ringer only ran for 81 yards when facing Cal early on in the season. I am just not sure how they are against the blitz and how much blitzing the ND's Defensive Line is going to throw at them. Let's not forget that during that same game, MSU gave over 200 yards rushing to Cal.
The preparation for the first game on the road is also different. "Let's not let the TV or papers let you know that you are so so right now. We're just not good enough to just show up and think that we will win" says Weis. This is probably the most important statement about the preparation of the team. Intensity is what wins game. Whether in business or in sports, there is nothing more dangerous than a team that starts believing in itself. I am enjoying the stats junkies lately. The king of stats in my mind, is Jeff Sagarin and last week, he had Notre Dame down by 8 in the Sagarin ratings published weekly on USATODAY. As it stands today, Michigan State is favored by 8.5 point. However, there is always one thing you can't measure.
Emotion drives intensity and Notre Dame is riding on a big high from their latest win against the Wolverines. If the Spartans don't stop the Irish early, watch out. It might just be as Golden Tate said during the game to his head coach: " I CANNOT BE STOPPED"!
In an earlier post, I said that Notre Dame would have a perfect season until September 19th and providing a momentum in favor of Notre Dame, I would call the game in the Irish' favor. I stand by it and call the Irish to win by 5 in a low scoring game.
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Comments (12) Add A Comment
ND just had the game of their lives. Well the game of their lives handed to them. ND had been looking at the Michigan game all summer. Weis even pointed at the Michigan game being the Big Game. I see ND having a big let down against Michigan State. And don???t get to high off the Michigan win. The Wolverines looked like a bad JV high school team. For Gods sake catch the ball on a kick off. The Spartans are going to mop up ND on Saturday. And so what they let Cal have 200 yards rushing. MSU won and Cal has a better running game than ND. Go Sparty!!!
1st & Goal
Columbus, OH
Total Comments (1866)
MSU didnt' win against Cal...you watched that game or read about it? I am a ND fan but one thing I know, this won't be a blow out by either side. I invite you to revisit Sunday. Cheer on for Notre Dame. Good luck!
michelchiasson on…
Moncton, NB
Total Comments (69)
When USC plays ND they better have a coroner on the sidelines. It will be ugly!
1st & Goal
Columbus, OH
Total Comments (1866)
Mike, IF Notre Dame can slow down Ringer and win this game I think you will have put a sock in the mouth of Notre Dame haters like myself for the time being. I considered them about the third worst team in the nation after that SDSU debacle and then moved them up to about 100th after beating Michigan. A win over Sparty would be their best win yet. I hate ND and everything about the program and can't wait for USC to humiliate them again, but I enjoy reading your blogs. Keep it up. Perhaps we can have healthy debates about USC-ND when the time comes. Who knows maybe it becomes a big game (Ughh...)
EastCoastKeith
Total Comments (2161)
Keith, thanks for the kinds words. I welcome a healthy debate anytime and respect your opinions and enjoyed reading your comments during last weeks games. I am a fan and want the Irish to reclaim some of the past glory. For now, there is a lot to do to even think beating USC. I am hopeful for the team to get 7 wins this year and I agree, that with their weaker schedule this year, they might have a shot. I enjoyed the game two years ago, the "push" in the end zone and all, was one of the most thrilling games I have seen. Looking forward to reading you Saturday.
michelchiasson on…
Moncton, NB
Total Comments (69)
Opps - MSU did lose to Cal. My bad. I should stop drinking and writing blogs at the same time. But, I still say MSU will beat ND. NDs emotions where really hi for the Michigan game. They will have a let down against MSU. ND had the ball given to them in the red zone. How nice is that!
1st & Goal
Columbus, OH
Total Comments (1866)
Thanks for the clarification...MrB
michelchiasson on…
Moncton, NB
Total Comments (69)
Just to clarify, ND will loose to MSU.
1st & Goal
Columbus, OH
Total Comments (1866)
I just can't see Notre Dame going to East Lansing and winning.
NYGiants: Patrick…
Rockville Centre , NY
Total Comments (4205)
Lets look at the stat of the Mich & ND game
Net rush yards Mich = 159, ND = 113
Net pass yards Mich = 229, ND = 147
Total 1st downs Mich = 21, ND = 14
How did Mich loose this game? Oh yeah, Can you say FUMBLE
Fumbles Mich 7 of 4, ND 3 of 0
Sparty will not make the same mistake!
1st & Goal
Columbus, OH
Total Comments (1866)
I gotta go with D'antonio and the green, I think ND is making progress, but Sparty seems to be taking bigger steps right now. And of course this has nothing to do with the he was the DC at OSU.
84
Total Comments (7228)
Well it's Saturday and Sparty came through on my prediction. ND still has a long way to go!
1st & Goal
Columbus, OH
Total Comments (1866)
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