STOCK REPORT: Risers and fallers from Michigan State's 27-10 road loss to Notre Dame

Michigan State suffered its first loss of the season Saturday night, falling 27-10 to No. 3 Notre Dame in South Bend. While the final score wasn't what the Spartans wanted, there were still some positives to take away from a game in which they trailed by just seven points at halftime and competed into the fourth quarter against one of the nation's top programs.

At the same time, the game highlighted several areas where Michigan State still has work to do before it can consistently compete with teams of Notre Dame's caliber.

Here is this week's Michigan State stock report.

Stock Up: Defensive Line

If there was one position group that consistently gave Michigan State a chance to stay in the game, it was the defensive line.

Notre Dame entered the contest with one of the better offensive lines Michigan State will face all season, yet the Spartans’ front held up admirably for much of the night. The defensive line repeatedly forced the Irish to earn every yard and helped keep them out of the end zone on several red-zone possessions. Although the box score shows 27 points allowed, Michigan State’s defensive front was a major reason the game remained competitive into the second half.

The Spartans limited Notre Dame to 3.7 yards per carry and allowed only three runs of at least 10 yards. Michigan State will not face many offensive lines as talented as Notre Dame’s, making the performance an encouraging sign as Big Ten play begins Saturday against Nebraska.

Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr was efficient, but more than half of his passing yards came on four completions. Michigan State’s defensive line created enough disruption to force Carr into quick decisions and largely limit the damage outside those explosive plays.

Perhaps most encouraging was the group’s effort. Even as Notre Dame’s depth began to show late in the game, Michigan State’s defensive linemen continued to battle and create opportunities for the rest of the defense. Against one of the most talented teams on the schedule, the group largely passed the test.

Stock Down: Depth

This may be the one of the most important takeaways from the entire game.

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