SOUTH BEND, Ind. — One of college football’s most storied Midwest rivalries is set to write its latest chapter under the stadium lights tonight. The No. 3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (2-0) are welcoming the Michigan State Spartans (2-0) to Notre Dame Stadium for a high-stakes, undefeated Week 3 showdown.
Scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. ET, this traditional battle centers around an explosive top-three powerhouse testing its absolute limits against a gritty, balanced underdog.
How to Watch & Stream
- National TV Network: NBC
- Live Premium Stream: Peacock
- Venue: Notre Dame Stadium — South Bend, Indiana.
The Irish Juggernaut: CJ Carr Pulls the Strings
Marcus Freeman’s Notre Dame squad has been the absolute picture of efficiency through two weeks, averaging a blistering 46.5 points per game. The corporate engine of this offense is quarterback CJ Carr, who has thrown for 492 yards and six touchdowns without a single interception. His absolute favorite perimeter weapon is wideout Jordan Faison, who currently anchors the Irish aerial attack with 135 yards and two receiving scores.
While the offense generates the headlines, Notre Dame’s defensive front has been a complete brick wall, surrendering a measly 6.5 points per game. They will look to suffocate a Michigan State passing attack that has yet to face this caliber of premium physical coverage.
The Spartans’ Blueprint: Ball Control and Edwards’ Ground Attack
If head coach Jonathan Smith and the Spartans want to pull off a historic shocker in South Bend, they have to dominate time of possession. Michigan State’s offense has found early success behind a balanced architecture. Quarterback Alessio Milivojevic has been highly patient, throwing for 417 yards and three scores with clean, mistake-free execution.
The ultimate key to this game, however, rests squarely on the shoulders of running back Cam Edwards. Edwards has been an absolute workhorse, racking up 250 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the season. Winning early downs and forcing the Irish to account for a heavy box is Michigan State’s only realistic path to keeping CJ Carr off the turf.
The Vegas Reality Board
Las Vegas oddsmakers are heavily leaning toward a prime-time blowout in favor of the home team.
- The Point Spread: Notre Dame opens as a massive 29.5-point home favorite (-29.5).
- The Game Total: The Over/Under line is locked at 52.5 points.
- The Moneyline: The Irish sit at a heavily protected -6667, while the underdog Spartans offer longshot value at +1917.
