What Notre Dame/UMass media is saying about Saturday

We are just a few days away from the third games of the season for MSU and Michigan. Here is a look at what the Notre Dame and UMass media is saying about Saturday’s action.

MSU vs. Notre Dame

Most of the talk in Irish country is about Notre Dame’s new affiliation to the ACC, and what it means for football scheduling going forward. Certainly that could impact Michigan and Michigan State in the future.

For now, the talk at Notre Dame is centered on the quarterback position, as Tommy Rees had to fill in last week for an injured Everett Golson. The Chicago Tribune has a story on Rees and his role with the Irish.

Golson injured his thumb against Purdue last week and Rees filled in, leading Notre Dame on its final drive to a 27-yard field goal, which won the game, 20-17.

Despite Rees’ play, Kelly is sticking with Golson as his quarterback against Michigan State. It seems to be the logical choice.

No matter which quarterback Kelly has on the field, they will be facing the toughest defense they have met all season. With Golson under center, you have to expect some mistakes as he heads into his first true road game of his college football career.

Michigan vs. UMass

UMass hasn’t had much to be excited about in its first season as a FBS program.

The Minutemen have lost to both Connecticut and Indiana by a combined score of 82-6 this season, all while averaging just 161.5 yards of offense per game.

Ron Chimelis, of The Republican, writes about UMass’ struggles in becoming a FBS program.

Chimelis says that now that UMass is a FBS program, it has actually become more of an underdog than when it was a FCS school. The Minutemen actually gave Michigan a scare in 2010, losing 42-37. But, that team seems to be nowhere in sight.

Chimelis paints a grim picture of the current state of UMass football and it appears Michigan should have a walk in the park on Saturday.