The 20th ranked Notre Dame might need some more fourth quarter magic as they square off against 10th ranked Michigan State Saturday night at Spartan Stadium.
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Former starting quarterback Tommy Rees came off the bench and led a late scoring drive in the fourth quarter for the Irish's 20-17 win over Purdue last week. The junior went 3-for-8 for 38 yards on the final drive to set up the game-winning 27-yard field goal by kicker Kyle Brindza with seven seconds remaining. Rees replaced freshman starting quarterback Everett Golson, who had trouble gripping the ball late in the game.
Rees returned from a one-game suspension after he was arrested following a scuffle with police at a party back in May.
Senior receiver Tyler Eifert led the Irish with 4 receptions for 98 yards, and junior receiver TJ Jones made three catches for 20 yards and a touchdown.
Michigan State didn't need late game heroics as they blanked Central Michigan until the fourth quarter last week and won 41-7.
Running back Le'Veon Bell and quarterback Andrew Maxwell took turns scoring in the first three quarters, as State led 34-0 heading into the fourth period.
Bell finished with 70 yards rushing and two touchdowns, while Maxwell went 20-for-31 for 275 yards and two passing touchdowns.
CMU's only touchdown came from a 55-yard interception return late in the fourth quarter by sophomore defensive back Jason Wilson.
The Spartans have not allowed a single offensive touchdown so far this season, and rank fourth in the nation in passes defended.
The game starts at 8pm and will be broadcast by ABC.
Betting Odds: Michigan State is favored by 6 points; Over/Under: 43 points
Prediction: The Spartans will rely on Bell and their defense to keep Notre Dame's offense on the sidelines. The Irish have employed a simple passing game with Golson under center, but the freshman on the road against a top secondary could mean the return of Rees or an Irish loss.
Predicted Score: Michigan State 27, Notre Dame 17
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