NO. 3 NOTRE DAME TAKES CONTROL, DEFEATS MICHIGAN STATE 27-10​

SOUTH BEND, IN — September 19, 2026 — Dennis Stover and I, Evan J. Thomas made out first game of the season under the lights, in the rain, and in front of a sold out Notre Dame Stadium, the No. 3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish continued their undefeated start to the 2026 season with a hard-fought 27-10 victory over Michigan State.


The Irish improved to 3-0, while the Spartans dropped to 2-1.


This wasn't the explosive offensive showcase Notre Dame delivered against Rice. Instead, it was a night defined by physical football, timely plays and a defense that completely shut the door after halftime.

Quarterback C.J. Carr finished 18-of-24 for 234 yards and added a rushing touchdown, but it was sophomore wide receiver Micah Gilbert who immediately announced himself.


On Notre Dame's very first play from scrimmage, Carr hit Gilbert for 61 yards, setting the Irish up deep in Michigan State territory. The Spartans ultimately held Notre Dame to a field goal, but the tone had been established.


Gilbert finished the night with eight receptions for 170 yards, providing Notre Dame with a legitimate big play threat throughout the evening.


Notre Dame eventually found its way into the end zone when Nolan James Jr. powered in from two yards out to make it 10-0.


James was outstanding throughout the night, carrying the ball 26 times for 121 yards and a touchdown. His physical running became increasingly important as Notre Dame leaned on the ground game to control the clock and wear down the Spartans.  Aneyas Williams added a one yard touchdown run in the second quarter, giving Notre Dame a 17-3 advantage.


Michigan State then answered.  A 53 yard connection to Rodney Bullard Jr. put the Spartans in position, and quarterback Cam Fancher finished the drive with a 15 yard touchdown run.


Suddenly, what looked like an early Notre Dame runaway had become a 17-10 game at halftime.

Whatever adjustments Notre Dame made or whatever head coach Marcus Freeman said to the guys at halftime worked.


The Irish defense held Michigan State scoreless in the final two quarters dominated the time of possession, while Notre Dame added 10 points to put the game away.


Notre Dame opened the third quarter by forcing a three-and-out, then embarked on a massive 17-play, 77-yard drive that consumed 9:42. Spencer Porath capped it with a 35-yard field goal, extending the lead to 20-10.


The defense continued to squeeze.  Michigan State managed just 167 total yards, including only 44 rushing yards. Notre Dame's defense also intercepted Alessio Milivojevic twice.
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Then Carr delivered the final blow.  With 11:09 remaining, the Notre Dame quarterback kept the ball and powered his way into the end zone from three yards out. 27-10. Game over.

The biggest story of the second half wasn't simply that Notre Dame scored 10 points.
It was that Michigan State scored zero.  The Spartans entered halftime having shown they could hang with the nation's No. 3 team. Notre Dame responded by taking away the running game, limiting opportunities and controlling possession.

The Irish finished with 395 total yards to Michigan State's 167 and held the ball for more than 37 minutes not giving the Spartans an opportunity to respond.

Head coach Marcus Freeman acknowledged afterward that Notre Dame still has areas to clean up, particularly after a first half in which the Irish weren't playing as cleanly as they wanted. But the response was there. And that may be one of the more encouraging aspects of this 3-0 start.

Notre Dame leaves the Michigan State game with another win, another strong defensive performance and another reminder that this team can win in different ways.

Carr continues to look comfortable under center. James Jr. established himself as a force in the running game. Gilbert emerged as a major weapon through the air.  And the defense once again showed that when the game gets tight, it can take control.

The Irish will now turn their attention toward Purdue this week at Ross-Ade Stadium in West LaFayette, IN with Notre Dame entering Week 4 at 3-0.

Three games. Three wins.
The Irish are moving forward.
And the season is just getting started. ☘️