Notre Dame won the Megaphone Trophy against rival Michigan State last Saturday, after defeating the Spartans 27-10 in a sloppy home matchup. The Irish looked on fire against Rice the week prior, but seemed slow and mild against Michigan State. Despite the surprisingly close game, players still stood out for outstanding (and some lackluster) performances.

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.