Notre Dame may be listed as a sizable favorite this week against the Spartans, but Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman knows it'll still be a physical battle on the field.
Freeman held his weekly press conference on Monday to preview Notre Dame's upcoming matchup against Michigan State, where he stated the Spartans will bring plenty of toughness. According to Chuck Freeby, Freeman said Michigan State “has Pat Fitzgerald’s DNA written all over them" -- signaling they'll play with toughness, physicality and fundamentally sound.
Freeman would additionally say that Michigan State will come prepared for this matchup, knowing Fitzgerald will have them playing with confidence and will not "beat themselves."
Michigan State comes into this matchup
with Notre Dame as a near 30-point underdog. The Spartans and Fighting Irish are both 2-0 to start the season, but Notre Dame has expectations of winning the national title this season while Michigan State is in the midst of a rebuild and looking to reach a bowl game for the first time in five years.
Let's check out some of the other notable comments and updates related to Michigan State out of Freeman's press conference on Monday:
Marcus Freeman says “we’re in a race against every team in the country to improve…who can improve faster.”
— Chuck Freeby Sports (@ChuckFreeby) September 14, 2026
Says Michigan State “has Pat Fitzgerald’s DNA written all over them.” Tough, physical, fundamentally sound. pic.twitter.com/4SGzOR5I8a
#NotreDame availability report for @msu_football pic.twitter.com/C00IwgAQ5K
— Mike BerardinoNDI (@MikeBerardino) September 14, 2026
Freeman: They are going to be tough and confident. They are going to play the game hard and they won't beat themselves. They also do a good job of managing the game. Notre Dame has to prepare for this type of challenge.
— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) September 14, 2026
On MSU rivalry: "If you're playing for a rivalry trophy, you have to know why and the history behind it or why even play it. There's actually a physical reward. This one has the megaphone. It's our job to make sure they're educated about the rivalry."
— Chuck Freeby Sports (@ChuckFreeby) September 14, 2026
Marcus Freeman presser notes from today:
— Talia Baia (@taliaontv) September 14, 2026
• Battle for the Megaphone: Freeman is educating the team on the history of the rivalry and what the trophy means
• Michigan State: Freeman expects a “great challenge” and praised essentially every part of the Spartans’ roster. QB,… pic.twitter.com/aaRaEBpIPT
On Fitzgerald: "They're going to be tough. They're going to be confident. They're going to play the game hard and they won't beat themselves. We understand the challnge and we're going to prepare that way."
— Chuck Freeby Sports (@ChuckFreeby) September 14, 2026
Marcus Freeman: "We're doing a good job running the ball. We want to be more explosive."
— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) September 14, 2026
Notre Dame ranks in the triple digits in yards per carry and rushing yards per game. Basically at the bottom of the Power 4.
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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: What ND head coach Marcus Freeman said about MSU, upcoming matchup
