2008 Week 4

In what was a complete opposite of 2007, the #24 Michigan State Spartans took out the #25 Notre Dame Fighting Irish 26-6 in a full fledged defensive struggle.

In '07's 41-38 classic, the teams combined for over 700 yards passing. This year? Try 161 yards. The Spartans wound up throwing for 75 yards, and the Irish ended up with 86 in a game that was decided through defense and through the ground.

The Spartans jumped out to an early 17-0 lead thanks to two interceptions off of QB Jimmy Clausen. Clausen, who didn't play in last year's game, would wind up wishing he didn't play in this one either. The Sophomore finished just 12 of 24, for 86 yards and four interceptions in what was the worst statistical game for an opposing QB in this dynasty.

The first interception set up a 12 yard touchdown pass from QB Brian Hoyer to WR T.J. Williams. The second resulted in a 1 yard touchdown by HB Javon Ringer. There would be no more touchdowns scored in the game, with the Spartans adding three field goals and the Irish two.

As Notre Dame realized they couldn't pass at all, the second half turned into run after run. A 13 play drive by Notre Dame that set up a field goal was all runs, including two fourth down conversions.

The Spartans gladly appreciated the Irish strategy, as they had conformed the game to the way they wanted to play it, keeping the high octane Irish offense stuck in first gear as the clock kept ticking away.

HB Javon Ringer ran for 140 yards and a score on 32 carries, while HB James Aldridge ran for 96 yards on 24 carries for the Irish.

On defense, MLB Andrew Hawken stole the show with 9 tackles, 2 sacks, an interception, and a fumble forced. CB David Williams added his third interception of the year.

The new style that the Spartans have been playing that have resulted in fantastic results for the defense. The Spartans ran 40 times to just 14 passes, and as a result the defense was always fully rested.

In three games this season, the Spartans defense has yet to give up a touchdown.