Michigan State vs Notre Dame head-to-head: position-by-position star ratings, experience, and composite grades on CFB Matchup. They meet Week 3, Saturday, September 19, 2026.
The Breakdown
#5 Notre Dame's 69 composite tops Michigan State's 62; a top-heavy 4.0★ D-line owns the Spartans' 2.8★ O-line.
When Michigan State has the ball: The 2.8★ O-line, four years experienced, faces Bryce Young and Notre Dame's 4.0★ D-line.
When Notre Dame has the ball: Aneyas Williams, 4★, runs at a 3.3★ Spartan linebacker group; the 3.8★ O-line holds a modest edge.
Swing factor: CJ Carr's 4★ arm against Alessio Milivojevic's 3★; equal two years of college ball, one-star gap.
X-factor: September Saturday in South Bend: Michigan State walks into Notre Dame Stadium against the #5 team.