As I have mentioned several times in the past, buy stock when it's down not when it's on the rise and this weekend in East Lansing, Michigan, Notre Dame is the call. Isn't it ironic how most of America was caught up in the whole Irish hoopla and this weekend many eyes will be on Ireland?

That's where the Americans will battle the Europeans in the Ryder Cup, while back home, many of those in sports betting are drowning in Irish stew, and courtesy of Charlie Weiss's crews 1-2 spread record. Had Notre Dame done the expected and whip the Wolverines' butts, they would've been 8-point favorites on the road.

Because they were exposed in South Bens by Lloyd Carr's team, the linemakers have offered Spartan backers a field goal and in some sportsbooks +3 ?. Michigan State went into Pittsburgh and beat an undefeated Panther team, but their competition this year, looks like a high school schedule, compared to Notre Dame's.

John L. Smith's team has beaten Idaho, Eastern Michigan, and Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, Notre Dame has grappled with the likes of Georgia Tech, Penn State, and Michigan. I would hardly classify this as parity in the schedule.

Brady Quinn and his teammates remember last season far too well when Michigan State upset them on their home soil and mocked them in their post game celebration. Drew Stanton is the real deal at quarterback and will want to upstage his more publicized opponent, but I don't see it happening.

Notre Dame 34-Michigan State 21.

Bob Acton

Sports Betting