Five takeaways, analysis from Michigan State football's loss at Notre Dame

1. Despite suffering their first loss under Pat Fitzgerald, Michigan State football fans can still feel optimistic about the team's future. Notre Dame dominated the game with more than 200 total yards, two turnovers, and nearly 10 more first downs. However, Michigan State's defense provided some bright spots, and the offense had a few key plays that allowed the team to stay competitive.

2. Michigan State's offense struggled to move the ball consistently against Notre Dame's defense. The Spartans finished with only 167 total yards on 45 plays, which is far below the level needed to compete against a top defense. Notre Dame's defense, while giving up 395 total yards, averaged 5.9 yards per play, which is comparable to the Wisconsin Badgers they faced in their opening game.

3. The Spartans defense was a positive aspect of the game, keeping the team in the contest. They gave up 395 total yards across 67 plays for an average of 5.9 yards per play. While they missed some critical fourth-down conversions, their performance should be a source of pride for fans and a reason to be hopeful for future games against Nebraska.

4. Several key Spartans left the game with injuries, which could be concerning for the team's future. Starting linebacker Brady Pretzlaff left the game with an undisclosed injury and Fitzgerald wouldn't comment on his status. Running back Cam Edwards also suffered a late-game injury when slipping on the wet field surface. Both injuries could potentially impact the team's performance in upcoming games, particularly the road game against Nebraska.

5. The upcoming Big Ten season opener against Nebraska is a crucial game for Michigan State. With a record of 2-1, the Spartans will need to win this game to stay on track for a potential bowl game. This will be a challenging matchup, as both teams have strong records and the Cornhuskers have dominated their lower-tier competition so far. However, if Michigan State can secure a victory against Nebraska, it will be a significant step forward in their season-defining campaign.