SOUTH BEND, Ind., Sept. 20 (UPI) -- Tackle Greg Taplin returned an interception 40 yards for a score with seven minutes left Saturday as Michigan State beat No. 23 Notre Dame, 23-16.
Notre Dame (1-2) managed only three field goals by Nicholas Settta in the first three quarters against the Spartans. But the Irish scored on backup Brady Quinn's first career touchdown pass, a 29-yard strike to Rhema McKnight with 2:29 remaining.
The Spartans recovered the ensuing onside kick and ran out the clock.
Michigan State (3-1) overcame three turnovers to beat Notre Dame for the fifth time in the last six years.
Michigan State quarterback Jeff Smoker, questionable with toe and rib injuries, played the entire game, completing 13-of-27 passes for 119 yards.
Dave Rayner, who also made three field goals, kicked a 30-yarder that gave the Spartans a 16-9 lead with 9:10 left in the contest.
