Notre Dame Football: 3 Reasons the Fighting Irish Will Shock Michigan State

As has become commonplace in recent years, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish were highly ranked heading into the 2011 season and seemed ready to put a decade of failure behind them. Two excruciatingly close early-season losses leave them with an 0-2 record, however, and their season appears to be on the verge of collapsing.

With the No. 15 Michigan State Spartans on the schedule for Saturday, it looks as though the Irish could easily start 0-3.

While things may look bleak, there is reason to believe the Irish can pull off the upset against Michigan State and turn their season around. Here are three reasons why the Golden Domers will shock the Spartans in South Bend.

Tommy Rees

Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly decided to go with Dayne Crist at quarterback to start the season. After playing poorly and getting shaken up in the opener against South Florida, however, he turned to Tommy Rees. The sophomore led the Irish on a torrid comeback, although their bid fell just short; they lost, 23-20.

Rees received the start last week against Michigan and while Notre Dame lost, 35-31, on a last-second Denard Robinson touchdown pass, the defeat was solely due to defensive failures. Rees completed 70 percent of his passes for 315 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.

If he continues his excellent play, Notre Dame will have a great chance to upend Michigan State, provided the defense stiffens. 

Michigan State Hasn't Been Tested Yet

Despite the fact that Michigan State is ranked 15th in the nation and went 11-2 last season, it remains to be seen whether the Spartans are truly deserving of their top billing. The Spartans are 2-0, but blowout victories against the likes of Youngstown State and Florida Atlantic aren't particularly impressive. Notre Dame represents Michigan State's first true test of the season.

While some may argue that Michigan State's two wins over cupcakes helped build confidence, I think it leaves them unprepared for a team with Notre Dame's talent level. The Irish took Michigan State to overtime last season and, by all accounts, Notre Dame has a much more talented squad in 2011.

If the Spartans take Notre Dame too lightly, they'll certainly pay for it.

Notre Dame's Backs Are against the Wall

After starting off 0-2, Notre Dame's players, and certainly head coach Brian Kelly, are feeling the pressure. After falling in the closing seconds in each of the season's first two weeks, most believe that Notre Dame is the same old Irish team that did the same thing week-in and week-out under Charlie Weis.

Kelly's job may not yet be on the line, but he may feel like it is.

The truth of the matter is that Notre Dame needs to start making progress at some point rather than continue to be stuck in neutral. The Irish seem to be the team with more to gain and more to lose in this game, so they will be desperate for a victory.

This could play against them if they play tight against Michigan State, but as long as the Irish stay loose, continue to play well offensively and tighten up on defense, they should be able to surprise the Spartans.