- Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson's touchdown pass to John Goodman was a brilliant play. It was kind of a version of Brett Favre's pass to Sterling Sharpe in the playoffs to defeat the Lions years ago, only to the opposite side of the field. The roll-right-and-throw-deep-down-the-field-to-the-left-side play was even more impressive in a certain way because MSU cornerback Johnny Adams was not beaten badly (like former Lions' cornerback Kevin Scott was). Golson had to drop the ball into Goodman, who had only one catch this season entering Saturday, and only 15 last season, perfectly. You can see why Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly has elected to go with Golson over Andrew Hendrix and Tommy Rees. His talent is obvious. He moves well, but doesn't seem to be a runner. He does a good job of keeping his eyes focused down the field and can throw on the run.
- Both defenses began the game by crowding the line of scrimmage and inviting inexperienced quarterbacks to throw the football. Notre Dame immediately took shots deep down the field with Golson. Michigan State seems more hesitant with its QB Andrew Maxwell, but that is probably because the Spartans have more confidence in their running attack. Look for Maxwell to use play-action and throw deep in the second quarter to try to loosen up Notre Dame's defense.
- Michigan State running back Le'Veon Bell against Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o has been a tremendous matchup. There is a lot of old-school football being displayed each time Bell gets the ball. It's been a very hard-hitting game so far.