Kevin	Devon	Charlie
Kent State / Penn State
Ohio / Ohio State
Massachusetts / Michigan
Northern Illinois / Illinois
Ball State / Purdue
Arizona State / Wisconsin
USC / Minnesota
Indiana / Western Kentucky
Northwestern / Rice
Notre Dame / Michigan State
Iowa / Arizona
Last Week	9-1	8-2	8-2
Current Record	19-2	18-3	18-3

Toss Up Pick of the Week: Notre Dame / Michigan State

Kevin // When it comes to Notre Dame I have no faith in their defense. None. Zilch. Nada. We saw last week that the defense is not ready for the prime time and can be abused by a more physical style, which is where the Spartans will have the advantage this weekend. If Michigan State can get some run blocking up front than freshman LeVeon Bell should be in for another big day. The one concern I have for Sparty is their pass defense. If Dayne Crist is 100%, or close to it, he should have a field day to help keep Notre Dame in this thing for four quarters. In the end though, Michigan State’s physicality will prevail.

Devon // Notre Dame probably should be 2-0 right now, but for some terrible luck and worse coaching.  I’m not sure what Brian Kelly was thinking at the end of the first half, trying to score a touchdown rather than take a sure 3 points–with his 3rd string QB in the game– but it certainly looked foolish at the end of the game, when the Domers drove the field, but needed 7 to win, rather than just a field goal.  And Dayne Crist’s temporary blindness was the only thing holding back a remarkably potent Irish offense, which moved the ball at will with their starter in the pocket.  Admittedly, I feel like Michigan State is a good team, one flying under the radar, and the home field advantage could be huge.  Kevin Cousins is a good QB, and they’ve gotten tremendous contributions out of some unexpected pieces, especially in the shockingly potent running game.  They’ll also have the best player on the field, in Greg Jones at linebacker.  But I just feel like Brian Kelly needs this game a little more, and with an even talent level, I don’t think I’ll ever put my faith in Mark Dantonio.

Charlie // Against Michigan last week, Notre Dame outscored Michigan 24-7 when Crist was actually able to play. With Crist on the sidelines, Michigan scored 3 unanswered touchdowns for a quick 21-7 lead before his return in the second half. Needless to say, Dayne Crist is good. And he will be the game changer against Michigan State this Saturday, even against Greg Jones at linebacker for Sparty. I have hopped on the Michigan State bandwagon only to have it fall apart in big games too often in the past to make that mistake again. Plus, I am still not convinced of Mark Dantonio’s coaching abilities to write off Brian Kelly and Dayne Crist. Anyone still remember that hissy fit Dantonio threw against Penn State in 2008 when he called all 3 time outs in the frigid cold during a blow out loss? Emotions, coach.  Notre Dame 34 – Michigan State 28