Notre Dame's steady attack is built for the long run and is something that fans need to learn to appreciate.

It wasn't entirely pretty, both with the rain showers and the on-field result in Notre Dame's 27-10 victory over Michigan State at Notre Dame Stadium.

The Irish face a once-familiar foe this week in the Michigan State Spartans. For the first time since 2017, the two teams will face off in The Battle for the Megaphone. Notre Dame has won four of the past five matchups (including wins in 2012 and 2013 that were vacated) and leads the series 47-29-1.

The first player to highlight on the MSU defense is their leader, Kenny Soares Jr. The Irish got a taste of what Soares is capable of last year against NC State when the former Wolfpack LB recorded eight tackles in the loss to Notre Dame.

Michigan State has relied heavily on the run in their first two games. It has worked thus far, averaging 204 rushing yards per game and 4.3 yards per carry. This sets up a battle of strength on strength for Saturday as Notre Dame’s run defense looks like one of the best in the country through two weeks. The Irish are holding opponents to two yards per carry and have not allowed a rushing touchdown this season. This could be where the game is won or lost this week.

If Notre Dame fans pick just one road game destination to hit this season, make it Provo.