ND predictions & MSU Offensive line roster update

{UPDATED AT 2:35 PM} If you didn't know, the ES posted a new poll in the right column, give your thoughts on the key ingredient to victory over the Friggin' Irish.

Looks like Joel Nitchman is a go for the offensive line at center, but J'Michael Deane is a scratch. That's an imporvement, as we really need Nitchman, but watch out for the right side of the line which has been weaker in the first two games. Add to it that Chris Norman may be getting more reps at LB after the poor play by Brandon Denson.

MORE PREDICTIONS/PREVIEWS (adding more...)

Big Ten Network (MSU 27-24), Chicago Tribune, ESPN/Brian Bennett (ND 28-23), SpartyMSU (MSU 34-24), SportsNetwork (ND 34-24), Wojo/Det News (ND 35-20), Rakes of Mallow, Hammer and Rails (MSU 24-21), UHND.com (ND 34-23), ESPN/Adam Rittenberg (ND 28-27), Free Press (ND 28-24).

What drives me crazy about folks like Fred Bierman at the NYT is that this game "simply is a must win for the Irish." Or, ESPN's Adam Rittenberg, that the Irish "need it more." What about that other team? And not for MSU? It is that sort of disrespect that needs a slap in the face... At least the Chicago Tribune paints both sides equal.

HEY, COUSINS, WATCH OUT FOR MCCARTHY

A great, indepth article on Notre Dame CB Kyle McCarthy posted over at the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel. Said Chuck E Weis: "“Kyle's been (steady) for two years. He seldom misses a tackle and he's usually in the right spot. He comes up with big plays. His interception (against Michigan) led to a score.” He wears #28.

Scouting Montana State: MSU Kickoff 2009

Five days until Michigan State serves up some skewered Bobcat on its menu. It's interesting to see three OL starters have "suffered from ailments" this fall: Rocco Cironi, Joel Nitchman and J'Michael Deane. This has opened the door to Brendan Moss to see some playing time. Watch the OL closely vs the Bobcats this week.

Scouting the Bobcats

According to the Bobcats sports info, their last practice of the fall was "sharp" on both sides of the ball. Four QBs combined to throw for 306 yards with two competing for the starting job: Mark Iddins completed 19 of his 24 passes for 148 yards, and Cody Kempt finished 8-for-15 for 100 yards. The offenses didn't commit a turnover, and four players on its defense were "able to generate an effective pass rush." Two of their starting running backs (Aaron Mason, Blayde Becksted) are out with injuries, leaving it to sophomore CJ Palmer and redshirt freshman Ricky Evans (65 yards on 8 carries in the scrimmage). If you want your fix on the Bobcats, with a likely preview from the Bozeman Daily Chronicle, visit the Blue & Gold blog.