Irish show little fight, fall to 0-4

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Notre Dame's offense got into the end zone— twice, in fact. It wasn't nearly enough to end the misery for the Fighting Irish.

For the first time in 119 seasons of Notre Dame football, the Irish are 0-4.

Michigan State, which blew a big lead to Notre Dame a year ago in a loss that sent its season in a tailspin, got a measure of revenge against the floundering Fighting Irish with a 31-14 victory Saturday.

Now it's Notre Dame's season that's spinning out of control. The Irish have lost six in a row, the second longest losing streak in school history, and allowed at least 30 points in each game.

Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis said he wasn't focusing on the worst start ever.

"Records to me is not the critical factor," he said. "I'll critically evaluate this game and get ready for Purdue."

Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio, who became the first Spartans coach to win his first four games, called the victory a statement. He said the painful 40-37 loss last year in East Lansing had taken a toll on the players and the program.

"Our guys have been mocked, and our guys have been made fun of, and we lost coaches; there was a coaching change, and a lot of things happened," he said. "So we internalized this and turned it to our favor today."

Brian Hoyer threw four touchdown passes — two to Kellen Davis and one each to Devin Thomas and Mark Dell — and Javon Ringer rushed for 144 yards on 26 carries and Jehuu Caulcrick ran for 83 yards on 20 carries to pace the Spartans.

"It was an emotional win for us," Davis said. "Getting this victory here was kind of like vindication or redemption for us, especially for those who started last year."

Michigan State also became the first opponent to win six in a row at Notre Dame Stadium.

Last season, Brady Quinn led the Irish back from a 16-point deficit in the fourth quarter. This season it was the Michigan State quarterback who was the star.

Hoyer was 11-of-24 passing for 135 yards as the Spartans amassed 354 yards total offense.

"Anytime you throw four touchdown passes you have to be pretty pleased," Hoyer said. "It's something I'll remember for the rest of my life."

The most memorable play was the final touchdown. On fourth-and-2 from the 30-yard line, Hoyer fumbled the snap — on purpose, as it turns out — picked it up and threw a TD pass to Davis.

"We've practiced that thing since the spring," Dantonio said.

The Irish have had only 12 losing seasons in the history of the program.