Gilbert Leads Irish Over MSU

Micah Gilbert had eight catches for 170 yards in a breakout performance as Notre Dame defeated Michigan State by 27-10 on Saturday. Nolan James chipped in with 121 yards rushing with one touchdown. The Fighting Irish moved to 3-0 on the season with a trip to Purdue up next. Defensively, Notre Dame held MSU to 167 total yards while recording four sacks and two interceptions. The Spartans played a gritty, physical game throughout behind linebacker Jordan Hall, who had 13 tackles. Ultimately, the visitors lacked the offensive firepower to stay with the Irish. After a competitive first half, Notre Dame shut them out after intermission and pulled away.

CJ Carr opened the evening with a 61-yard bomb to Gilbert. Unfortunately, the ground game fizzled early and Notre Dame had to settle for a field goal. Michigan State's subsequent possession ended in three plays with a sack of quarterback Alessio Milivojevic. Matt Jeffery of the Irish partially blocked the MSU punt and Notre Dame took over in plus territory. A fourth down reception by Gilbert set up a scoring run by James to make it a 10-0 game.