From Michigan State Spartans On SI · · 1m 40s
MSU's Biggest Challenge: Notre Dame's Cornerbacks
Michigan State faces Notre Dame's elite cornerbacks in a critical matchup.
In brief
Michigan State faces Notre Dame's elite cornerbacks in a critical matchup. Notre Dame's cornerbacks, especially Leonard Moore, pose the biggest threat to Michigan State's season. Originally reported by Michigan State Spartans On SI.
Notre Dame's Cornerbacks
Notre Dame's cornerbacks are a top-tier strength, especially with Leonard Moore, a top defensive player.
“Notre Dame has great, elite, or All-American players pretty much across the board.”
Leonard Moore's Impact
Moore, a junior corner, is a unanimous All-American and a top NFL draft prospect.
“Moore was a unanimous All-American last year and is in consideration to win pretty much any award a cornerback can win this season.”
Moore's Defensive Stats
Moore intercepted five passes last season and had the best coverage grade among FBS cornerbacks.
“He intercepted five passes last season, and his 92.5 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus was the very best among FBS cornerbacks.”
Moore's Rest Status
Moore is well-rested after playing only 14 snaps in Notre Dame's recent win against Rice.
“Moore should also be well-rested after only needing to play 14 defensive snaps in the Fighting Irish's 52-0 win against Rice last week.”
Moore's Skills
Moore is a physical corner who can tackle and catch the ball, making him rare for his skills.
“He's a physical corner; he'll tackle, which sometimes you don't always get that, - he will. And he can catch; he catches the ball.”
Other Notable Corners
Notre Dame has DJ McKinney and Christian Gray, both strong cornerbacks for the upcoming game.
“Moore isn't the only quality cornerback on Notre Dame's roster. Two other players the Fighting Irish will likely utilize against the Spartans on Saturday are DJ McKinney and Christian Gray.”
DJ McKinney
McKinney is a Colorado transfer who made a pick-six against Wisconsin.
“He's already made a big difference in the Irish's secondary, running back a pick-six against Wisconsin that pretty much erased any remaining hopes of a Badger upset.”
Christian Gray
Gray is a homegrown talent with five career interceptions and 11 pass breakups.
“Gray has five career interceptions, and he had a team-high 11 pass breakups last season.”
Safeties Threat
Notre Dame's safeties cause problems, including a touchdown in the first 14 seconds of their game against Rice.
“Irish safety Adon Schuler delivered a big hit that jarred the ball loose, and Boubacar Traore returned it for a Notre Dame touchdown just 14 seconds in.”
MSU's Weakness
Michigan State has struggled with pass coverage, especially against MAC teams.
“A major concern through the first two weeks of Michigan State's season has been a lack of separation from the Spartans' wide receivers.”
Game Impact
Notre Dame's corners will challenge Michigan State's ability to hang around for four quarters.
“That plays into one of Michigan State's biggest weaknesses and will make it difficult for the Spartans to truly hang around for four quarters.”
Game Date
Michigan State faces Notre Dame on Saturday at 7:36 p.m. ET.
“Kickoff in South Bend is slated for 7:36 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.”
MSU's Strategy
Michigan State needs to improve pass game to have any chance against Notre Dame.
“MSU needs to get its pass game going on Saturday to have even a remote shot.”
Author Background
Jacob Cotsonika is a 2025 graduate from Michigan State University with experience covering the Spartans.
“JACOB COTSONIKA A 2025 graduate from Michigan State University, Cotsonika brings a wealth of experience covering the Spartans from Rivals and On3 to his role as Michigan State Spartans Beat Writer on SI.”
What matters most
Notre Dame's cornerbacks, especially Leonard Moore, pose the biggest threat to Michigan State's season.
