Michigan State came into this year very undervalued as they had more than their share of tough losses. The Irish are a very good team but had great fortune last season. It is no surprise the Irish have yet to cover this season.

Michigan State has done what they had to do to tune up for this game. Connor Cook has emerged as a solid starting QB.

The Irish are replacing four key starters from last year. Off of games at Michigan and at Purdue and with a game against Oklahoma staring out them, this is a tough spot against a Spartans team whose schedule enabled them to gear up for this game.

MSU expects center Travis Jackson back after he missed Saturday's game with an undisclosed injury. Also offensive tackle Fou Fonoti has been eased back into the line-up, another huge benefit of their creampuff schedule. On the other side of the ball, safety Isaiah Lewis was kept out of the Youngtown State game as a precaution and to allow him to be 100 percent for the Irish.