Saturday's win was huge for Notre Dame. Beating Michigan State catapulted the Irish to 11th in the Associated Press poll released today. They're 15th in the coaches poll. This was Notre Dame's first win over a top-10 team in seven years.
At 3-and-0, Notre Dame is off to its best start since 2002.
In Everett Golson's second start, he became much more comfortable, connecting with John Goodman 36 yards for the first score of the game. Golson finished with 178 yards passing, then he ran in another touchdown in the second quarter.
Notre Dame's defense made a statement, holding the Spartans to a field goal. It was MSU's worst offensive showing at home in 22 years.
Manti Te'o was the defensive star of this game. Playing after his grandma and girlfriend passed away this week. Te'o had 12 total tackles, one for a loss and a fumble recovery.
The Fighting Irish (3-0) snapped a six-game losing streak against ranked teams and beat a top-10 opponent for the first time in seven years to give Brian Kelly a signature win in his third season.
The Spartans (2-1) had won 15 straight at home. The streak included a win over the Irish in 2010 on a fake field goal in overtime that preceded coach Mark Dantonio having a heart attack.
Notre Dame is off to its best start since 2002 when Tyrone Willingham won his first eight games as its coach. The Irish opened 0-2 last year and 1-3 the season before in Kelly's debut before bouncing back to finish with eight wins.
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