The Mighty Did Fall, 44-41
2005-09-18
Posted by: badanov
We think Michigan State has caught the imagination of the nation this time. After two big, convincing wins over non-conference opponents, Michigan State goes to South Bend to play Spartan ball, a high powered passing attack with a touch of rushing to defeat Notre Dame in overtime, 44-41.
What stands out for us is the rush stats. Michigan State polled 160 yards on the ground with two touchdowns which Notre Dame didn't have using the rush, piling up 114 yards.
Passing for both sides was amazing with Michigan State's 387 yards to Notre Dame's catch-up 487 yards. Turnovers were non-existent except in passing, one per side, but Notre Dame passed twice as much with 33 completions to the Spartan's 16.
So, how did Michigan State win at Notre Dame? Beats us, but it does show a rush to judgment about Notre Dame, which is an issue with us at the moment.
Notre Dame's “big” win against Michigan the week before rocketed Notre Dame to 10th while Michigan slipped far down the poll to 14th, an unfair assessment, in our opinion, given just how close the score was.
Michigan simply ran out of time in that game, a problem with play calling, not how good Michigan actually is. In that game Michigan held Notre Dame to just 140 yards passing with two interceptions and less than 115 yards rushing, while Michigan, was was held to less than 120 yards rushing, a defensive battle to be sure. It should also have been a reminder that inasmuch as Notre Dame did knock off a 3rd ranked team, they let an unranked team come to their house and force them to new heights in passing, all for a lost cause.
After Michigan's mauling of Eastern Michigan 55-0, we have to wonder if Michigan will be restored to a top ten position. We defy Notre Dame to rack up a huge shutout against any other ranked team this season.
If you have something to add, Fire Away!
Number of Comments so far: 0
Click here
for a list of stories in the College Sports category