– Last Updated on December 22, 2022 3:41 pm
Free Week 3 Prediction: Spartans vs Fighting Irish Odds
Looking for Michigan State Spartans vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish free picks? Week 3 College football betting sees the Spartans taking on the Fighting Irish Saturday, September 17th at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. Cappers Picks provides complimentary handicapping picks all NCAA football season long so stay tuned for more FREE college football predictions.
Week 3
(1-0) Michigan State Spartans vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (1-1)
Date: Saturday, September 17th
Time: 7:30 PM
Venue: Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana
NCAA Football Spread: Notre Dame -7.5
NCAA Betting Total: 51.5
Live CFB Odds
Updated Sportsbook Bonuses For TodayClick here to view… CFB ATS Stats & Expert NCAAF Betting Insight!
With the rivalry being renewed after a three year break, the Spartans come off a bye and head to South Bend for this matchup between two ranked teams.
This will be an important game for both teams when their resumes are evaluated before postseason play.
Michigan State Spartans
The Spartans lost a ton of experience from the College Football Playoff qualifying team in 2015.
Expectations were for the Spartans to have a slow start this season – the schedule allowed for it.
[dfads params=’groups=220&limit=1&return_javascript=1′]
Michigan State opened with a home game against FCS Furman followed by a bye week before this matchup with the Irish.
The Spartans lost the last meeting between the two teams which was also in South Bend. This will be a completely different matchup though.
The Spartans obviously are fighting for a win but they really are hoping to get things figured out offensively. They scored just 28 points against Furman and will be challenged much more by Notre Dame.
Check out the free College football picks from Cappers Picks experts today!
The Spartans turned the ball over twice and went 4 for 10 on third down. Tyler O’Connor played pretty well going 13 for 18 and 190 passing yards with 3 touchdowns.
He also beat Ohio State last season in his one start replacing Connor Cook.
Similar to that game against the Buckeyes last season, the Spartans will have to rely on their defense and O’Connor being a game manager to control the tempo of the game.
The Irish have a ton of weapons on offense and a dual threat quarterback that can take over.
The Spartans fierce front seven will be tested often and will be the deciding factor in the outcome of this game.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The Fighting Irish responded to their Week 1 loss at Texas with a slow start against Nevada.
They were tied 0-0 at the end of the first quarter against their weak opponent before scoring 32 unanswered until the Wolf Pack put their first points on the board with under 4 left in the third quarter.
The Irish relied on the run game to get them the 39-10 victory rushing for 239 yards on 5.2 yards per carry.
They turned the ball over just once and went 7 for 15 on third down. Kizer was efficient in the pass game completing 15 of 18 before
Malik Zaire took over late in the blowout.
The Irish used a balanced rushing attack but with Josh Adams stepping up to lead the way. Adams rushed 10 times for 106 yards.
[dfads params=’groups=219&limit=1&return_javascript=1′]
The Irish got a weak opponent in Nevada to help figure out their defensive issues but shouldn’t be tested like they were against Texas as the Spartans offense isn’t very daunting
If Kizer wants to take this team to the top, it will start this week against a very difficult Spartan defense. The Irish defense should improve but all season long it will be about the Irish offense winning football games for them.
The early season suspensions, dismissals, and injuries on the Irish defense will be difficult to fill.
NCAA Football Handicapping Trends
- Notre Dame is 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games against a team with a winning record.
- Notre Dam is 6-2 ATS in their last 8 road games.
- Over is 7-3 in Michigan State’s last 10 games after a bye.
Free Week 3 NCAA Football Prediction
I think the first half will move slowly with the Spartan defense containing Kizer and the Irish. But, in the end the Notre Dame offensive weapons will be too much for the Spartans.
4* Free NCAA Betting Pick: Notre Dame -7.5
The Spartan offense won’t be explosive all season along but they will improve eventually. For now, they will rely on controlling the tempo and playing conservative football.
BONUS: First Half Under
Week 3 Free Score Prediction: Notre Dame 36 – Michigan State 20
If you’re looking for more picks like this Michigan State Spartans vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish matchup we’ll be providing 4* free College football predictions on the blog all season long, and check out our Experts for guaranteed premium & free CFB Football picks!
CappersPicks.com has College football odds up on a ton of futures, and you will also find NCAA football lines up for early games as well.