The Irish gained 115 yards on ten Michigan State penalties. Seven of their 14 first downs came via penalty yardage. The Irish also incurred eight penalties for 86 yards.
The Irish managed only 224 yards against the Spartans, the smallest total they've accumulated in the Brian Kelly era. The 14 first downs were a season low for the Irish, as were the 142 passing yards and 14 pass completions.
Freshmen receivers step up
Freshmen receivers accounted for 91 of Notre Dame's 142 receiving yards. Will Fuller caught his first career reception, a 37-yarder in the first quarter. Corey Robinson, meanwhile, had his first career multi-catch performance, with three receptions for 54 yards. His long was a 24-yarder, and he ended the game as the leading receiver for the Irish.
Punt block ends streak
Junior punter Kyle Brindza's blocked punt in the first quarter was the first block allowed by the Irish in their last 255 punts attempted. They hadn't allowed a block since 2008 against Boston College.
Contact Casey Karnes at
wkarnes@nd.edu
