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Notre Dame's defense has been off to a hot start in 2026, answering a lot of questions we might have had about this unit in during the offseason. They held Wisconsin's offense to 13 points in the season opener and shut out Rice in the home opener last weekend. This Saturday night, they host the Michigan State Spartans in the battle for the Megaphone Trophy. Their offense, now under the direction of offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan, has scored 30 points or more in back to back games. If the Irish wish to maintain their dominant streak of defensive play, they'll have to win these key matchups. 

DT ARMEL MUKAM

After a dramatic offseason, defensive tackle Armel Mukam has been off to a good start for the Fighting Irish defense. He's yet to have his 'breakout moment' but has been a good player along the interior. This weekend, he'll have the opportunity to have a two-fold impact as a run stopper and as a pass rusher. Mukam is one of the few defensive tackles on the roster that possess the skillset to consistently get after the passer and this weekend, he'll have the opportunity to do that against the Spartans. 

Matchup To Watch: Michigan State left guard Conner Moore has given up three pressures and two hits plus sacks on the quarterback in through two games with all of those pressures coming in the season opener against Toledo. The Rockets don't have a defensive tackle with the God-given ability of Mukam who should have a productive night against the 6-6, 311-pound guard. Moore is a better run blocker than pass protector, so Mukam's job, along with the host of defensive tackles that will rotate throughout the game, is to be disruptive in both phases. Stop the run and get after quarterback Alessio Milivojevic. 

LB DRAYK BOWEN

It's been a dominant start to the season for the senior captain. Indiana native Drayk Bowen has been everything we hoped he would be this season and he'll be tested once again this Saturday night. In two games, Bowen has racked up 11 tackles, six run stops and has only missed one tackle according to Pro Football Focus. The 6-2, 234-pound middle linebacker has been the leader we knew he could be and the player we thought he could be this season. Michigan State, like Wisconsin and Rice, will look to establish the ground game and Bowen will have to continue his level of dominance we've seen in the first two games. 

Matchup To Watch: One of Michigan State's best portal additions was running back Cam Edwards from UCONN. Last season with the Huskies, Edwards rushed for 1,240 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also caught 19 passes for 187 yards and one score. Through two games with the Spartans, he's rushed for 250 yards and three touchdowns. Michigan State is going to look to establish the ground game early. Edwards is a 5-11, 206-pound ball carrier that's a hard runner and can make you miss in the open field. Bowen will be leading the charge in limiting his impact. 

DE BOUBACAR TRAORE

The Notre Dame defensive line has been very impressive to start the season. One player who's yet to have his 'I'm Here' moment is senior defensive end Boubacar Traore. The 6-5, 253-pound edge rusher scored a touchdown in their home opener against Rice on the second play of the game, but his overall impact as a pass rusher hasn't been felt…yet. Traore has recorded three total pressures and two hits plus sacks on the quarterback in 31 pass rushing snaps, some of that has been limited due to the nature of Rice's offense. Like I said, the Boston native hasn't been bad this season, but is poised for an impact performance Saturday night under the lights. 

Matchup To Watch: Right tackle Rakeem Johnson has struggled through two games in pass protection. He's allowed two total pressures and one hit on the quarterback. The 6-4, 296-pound right tackle lacks comfortability in space and isn't the best athlete in terms of playing offensive tackle. This is a matchup that Traore should absolutely win. He's one of the twitchiest athletes along the defense line and should have a dominant performance against Michigan State's right tackle. 

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