Irish Lose Again to Spartans

Michigan State Coach John L. Smith countered Notre Dame’s traditions with a reminder.

“We tried to emphasize the fact that we have some traditions too,” Smith said.

The Spartans (3-1) kept a recent tradition going by beating the Irish (1-2) for the fourth straight time at Notre Dame Stadium, winning, 22-16, on Saturday.

Jaren Hayes scored on a 71-yard run and Greg Taplin returned an interception 40 yards for a touchdown for the Spartans in their sixth victory in the last seven games against the Irish.

“The bottom line is this: Wins mean a lot to our players,” Smith said.

The Irish, who lost to Michigan, 38-0, last week, fell below .500 for the first time since the end of the 2001 season. Since getting off to an 8-0 start under Tyrone Willingham, the Irish are 3-5 and have scored three touchdowns this season.

Notre Dame quarterback Carlyle Holiday completed 10 of 25 passes for 99 yards and was replaced in both halves by freshman Brady Quinn, who threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to Rhema McKnight in the fourth quarter.