The US LBM Coaches Poll No. 3 Notre Dame and Michigan State are set to renew their rivalry that dates back to when they first met in the late 19th century.
On Saturday, the Fighting Irish and the Spartans will have their 80th meeting in history. The last time these teams squared off was in the 2017 season when Notre Dame won 38-18. The Irish have an all-time record of 47-29-1 (excluding two vacated wins) in the series.
Notre Dame’s defense will go up against redshirt sophomore quarterback Alessio Milivojevic. In MSU’s 35-7 win over Eastern Michigan last week, Milivojevic was 12-of-20 for 170-yards and two touchdown passes.
The Spartans’ gunslinger has completed 68.25% of his passes for 417 yards and three TDs through two games this season. Last
year, Milivojevic was 111-of-173 on completions for 1,267 yards, 10 TDs and three interceptions in nine games.
So far, Milivojevic hasn’t taken any sacks, which is a stark contrast to the 16 sacks he took last season. Notre Dame as a team so far has recorded three sacks.
Sixth-year QB Cam Fancher, MSU’s backup, saw some playing time last week. He was a perfect 6-of-6 on completions for 44 yards.
The Irish’s passing defense has been efficient to start out. Overall, the unit has allowed just 140.5 passing yards per game and only one passing TD, which came from Wisconsin QB Colton Joseph in week one.
Notre Dame and Michigan State will duke it out at primetime Saturday on NBC.
QB | Alessio Milivojevic | MSU
— NTB_43 (@NTB_43) September 15, 2026
Not a 2027 guy, but has tools and throws on tape that will keep eyes on him.
Good size and a solid arm to test windows, but needs to prove he can see the field consistently and execute under pressure.
First big test this weekend vs ND. pic.twitter.com/FquPxRUP3X
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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Previewing Michigan State’s QB that Notre Dame is facing in Week 3
