SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Through two games, Notre Dame’s defense has given up just 13 points. Michigan State is about to give the Irish a different kind of test.

The Spartans arrive with one of the most productive running backs in the country in Cam Edwards, who is averaging 125 rushing yards per game. Notre Dame, meanwhile, is allowing just 65.5 rushing yards per game.

“It’s a great challenge,” defensive lineman Bryce Young said. “We watched the film. He’s a very explosive back, kudos to him, but I’m excited to get out there and see what our defense can do. We’ve been working at it and our scout team has been giving us good looks.”

Young has been one of Notre Dame’s biggest early-season disruptors, leading the Irish with 3.5 tackles for loss. And he is far from alone up front.Boubacar Traore has already recorded a sack and multiple tackles for loss, while also delivering one of the defense’s biggest plays of the young season, scooping up a fumble and returning it 24 yards for a touchdown.

“I seen the ball on the ground and I was like, ‘Wow,’” Traore said. “It kind of felt like a dream, but as soon as I picked it up, I knew it was real life.”

The production has extended beyond Notre Dame’s defensive front. With starting safety Brauntae Johnson sidelined, senior Luke Talich has gone from walk-on to starter in the Irish secondary. Talich recorded three interceptions last season before making his first career start against Rice, finishing with four tackles and a forced fumble.

But with his role growing, Talich is not interested in turning the opportunity into an individual spotlight.

“I’m not too worried about making a name for myself,” Talich said. “I’m more worried about just getting my job done. You know, doing my one out of 11. Coach Freeman talks about all the time, just clear your plate, and I think I’ve cleared my plate. I played a lot of special teams and done a lot of things for this team, so obviously my plate has grown.”

“Clear your plate” has been a familiar phrase around Notre Dame since fall camp. This week, running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider introduced another: “check your blinds.”

That mindset will be tested against Michigan State as Notre Dame renews a rivalry it has not played in nearly a decade.