SOUTH BEND, IN (9-19-26) – Two undefeated teams, a historic trophy and potentially challenging weather conditions will provide the backdrop Saturday night when the Michigan State Spartans travel to Notre Dame Stadium to face the No. 3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Both teams enter the prime-time matchup 2-0, but they have taken different paths to South Bend.

Notre Dame has been dominant through its opening two games, defeating Wisconsin 41-13 at Lambeau Field before overwhelming Rice 52-0 at Notre Dame Stadium. The Fighting Irish have outscored their opponents 93-13.

Michigan State opened the Pat Fitzgerald era with a 30-20 victory over Toledo before producing its most complete performance of the young season in a 35-7 victory over Eastern Michigan. The Spartans have outscored their first two opponents 65-27.

Saturday’s game marks the 80th meeting between the programs and their first since 2017. Notre Dame leads the all-time series 49-29-1. The winner will once again claim the Megaphone Trophy, which has been awarded in the rivalry since 1949.

This year’s meeting also comes 60 years after one of college football’s most famous games — the 10-10 tie between No. 1 Notre Dame and No. 2 Michigan State in 1966.

WEATHER COULD BECOME PART OF THE STORY

The conditions in South Bend could add another dimension to Saturday night’s game.

Rain and thunderstorms are in the forecast throughout the day, and wet conditions could remain around Notre Dame Stadium into the evening. That could put additional emphasis on ball security, field position, special teams and each team’s ability to establish the running game.

Notre Dame has also issued inclement-weather information for fans attending the game.

MICHIGAN STATE OFFENSE

Michigan State has demonstrated balance through two games.

Quarterback Alessio Milivojevic (#11) has thrown for 417 yards and three touchdowns. Against Toledo, he completed 26-of-34 passes for 247 yards and a touchdown before throwing two more touchdown passes against Eastern Michigan.

Running back Cam Edwards (#0) has quickly become one of the Spartans’ most important offensive weapons. After rushing for 98 yards against Toledo, Edwards exploded for 152 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries against Eastern Michigan.

MSU produced 472 total yards against the Eagles, including 258 yards on the ground.

Michigan State’s ability to run the football could become particularly important if rain affects the passing game Saturday night.

NOTRE DAME OFFENSE

Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr (#13), a Saline, Michigan native, has opened the season efficiently.

Carr threw for 239 yards and two touchdowns against Wisconsin before completing 16-of-20 passes for 253 yards and four touchdowns against Rice.

Running back Aneyas Williams (#22) gives the Irish another major weapon. He rushed for 90 yards and two touchdowns against Wisconsin, while Notre Dame’s receiving corps has given Carr several options.

Jordan Faison (#6) caught two touchdown passes against Rice, while Jaden Greathouse, Micah Gilbert and others have helped Notre Dame stretch defenses vertically.

Notre Dame accumulated 478 yards against Rice and scored 52 points while controlling the game on both sides of the football.

DEFENSE COULD DECIDE IT

Michigan State’s defense has surrendered 27 points through two games and is coming off a performance in which it limited Eastern Michigan to 219 total yards.

Linebacker Brady Pretzlaff (#45) and safety Devin Vaught (#2) each recorded eight tackles against Eastern Michigan, while Charles Brantley (#4) forced a fumble that helped MSU turn defense into points.

Notre Dame’s defense has been even more imposing.

The Irish surrendered 13 points against Wisconsin and then shut out Rice while holding the Owls to just 128 total yards.

Notre Dame forced five Rice fumbles and recovered four. Safety Adon Shuler (#8) forced a fumble on the second play of the game, and Boubacar Traore (#5) returned it for a touchdown just 14 seconds after kickoff.

Against Wisconsin, DJ McKinney (#2) returned an interception 55 yards for a touchdown.

That ability to create turnovers could become especially significant on a wet night.

PLAYERS TO WATCH — MICHIGAN STATE

Offense: Alessio Milivojevic, QB (#11) — His ability to protect the football and make throws when Notre Dame loads the box could determine whether MSU can sustain drives.

Cam Edwards, RB (#0) — Coming off a 152-yard performance, Edwards could be particularly important if conditions favor a ground-oriented game.

Defense: Brady Pretzlaff, LB (#45)— Coming off a career-high eight tackles against Eastern Michigan, Pretzlaff will be important against Notre Dame’s running attack.

Charles Brantley, CB (#4) — A veteran playmaker capable of creating turnovers, something the Spartans may need against Notre Dame’s explosive offense.

PLAYERS TO WATCH — NOTRE DAME

Offense: CJ Carr (#13), QB — The Michigan native has thrown six touchdown passes through Notre Dame’s first two games and enters Saturday after completing 80 percent of his throws against Rice.

Aneyas Williams, RB (#22)— His combination of rushing and receiving ability gives Notre Dame an option that becomes even more valuable if weather conditions make the ground game important.

Jordan Faison, WR (#6)— Faison caught two touchdown passes against Rice and gives Carr a dangerous target in space.

Defense: Adon Shuler, S (#8) — The Notre Dame captain has already demonstrated his ability to create turnovers and disrupt opposing offenses.

DJ McKinney, CB (#2)— His 55-yard interception return for a touchdown against Wisconsin demonstrated how quickly Notre Dame’s defense can change a game.

A RIVALRY RETURNS UNDER THE LIGHTS

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Notre Dame Stadium. The game will be televised nationally on NBC and streamed on Peacock.

It will be the first Michigan State-Notre Dame night game at Notre Dame Stadium since 1984.

For Michigan State, Saturday represents its first road game under Fitzgerald and its biggest test of the young season.

For Notre Dame, it is another opportunity to protect its unbeaten record and continue building on a dominant opening two weeks.

And after a nine-year absence, the Megaphone Trophy rivalry is back.

La Prensa Latina News Wire will be on site at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend covering the Fighting Irish and Spartans. Stay tuned throughout the evening for photos, game coverage and our postgame report from one of college football’s historic rivalries.