Predicting Big Ten football scores in Week 3: Michigan State, Notre Dame renew rivalry

Predicting Big Ten football scores in Week 3: Michigan State, Notre Dame renew rivalry

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Predicting Big Ten football scores in Week 3: Michigan State, Notre Dame renew rivalry

It’s not a great Big Ten college football slate in Week 3, but there are storylines to watch. For starters, Michigan State and Notre Dame renew their rivalry this weekend. Both teams haven’t played one another since 2017, and it was the Spartans who took down the Irish in South Bend that season.

The top-tier teams in the league will have one final tune-up before Big Ten play begins next weekend.

MORE: Predicting SEC football scores in Week 3: Lane Kiffin returns to Ole Miss

No. 12 USC vs. Rutgers

NCAA Football: UL Lafayette at Southern California

Sep 12, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) throws the ball against the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Rutgers just might be the worst Power Four team in the country, suffering losses to both UMass and Boston College in back-to-back weeks. To make matters worse, the Scarlet Knight’s top RB Antwan Raymond is considered questionable for the game.

USC isn’t injury-free, either. Freshman sensation WR Trent Mosley is set to miss the game. But QB Jayden Maiava is healthy and he’s the difference maker. The Trojans could likely trot out their second string and still beat a lifeless Rutgers team.

Final score: USC 38, Rutgers 10

Michigan State vs. No. 3 Notre Dame

Michigan State head coach Pat Fitzgerald celebrates and claps during the third quarter against Eastern Michigan on Saturday,

Michigan State head coach Pat Fitzgerald celebrates and claps during the third quarter against Eastern Michigan on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Michigan State is going to be better off with Pat Fitzgerald at the helm. The Spartans are playing better football, and while it’s hard to be impressed with wins over Toledo and Eastern Michigan, the team is clearly better than what it was a year ago.

But MSU’s win streak will end at two games. Notre Dame is the real deal and after missing the CFP last season, the Irish aren’t taking any prisoners. CJ Carr is talented and the Irish should be able to sling the ball around this Saturday.

Final score: Notre Dame 41, Michigan State 14

Virginia Tech vs. Maryland

NCAA Football: Maryland at Connecticut

Sep 12, 2026; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Maryland Terrapins quarterback Malik Washington (7) warms up before the start of the game against the UConn Huskies at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Don’t look now, but James Franklin has Virginia Tech playing good football, but this is going to be he first big test. Like normal, Maryland is playing good non-conference football, and while this game is an ACC vs. Big Ten game, it’s going to feel like a conference showdown.

This will be a good litmus test for the Terps and we are going to see if they are ready to take the next step. QB Malik Washington continues to play well, but can Maryland’s defense hold the Hokies?

Final score: Virginia Tech 45, Maryland 41

The rest of the games will be quick-hitter style

  • No. 21 Oregon 56, Portland State 10
  • No. 6 Ohio State 51, Kent State 6
  • No. 14 Penn State 41, Buffalo 10
  • Minnesota 38, Akron 13
  • Wisconsin 31, Eastern Michigan 17
  • Illinois 44, Southern Illinois 13
  • No. 19 Michigan 38, UTEP 7
  • No. 4 Indiana 56, Western Kentucky 9
  • No. 18 Iowa 41, Northern Iowa 7
  • Nebraska 35, South Dakota 13
  • Washington 49, Eastern Washington 14
  • Northwestern 24, Colorado 21
  • UCLA 31, Purdue 24

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