East Lansing - Michigan State will play in prime time at least twice this season, including a rematch of the "Little Giants" game against Notre Dame from two years ago.

The Spartans kick off the season by hosting Boise State at 8 p.m. on Aug. 31 in a game that will be aired on ESPN. Two weeks later, they host the Fighting Irish at 8 p.m. on Sept. 15 on ABC.

"You would be hard-pressed to find a more challenging home schedule than the one we'll face this fall," Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio said. "Six of the seven home games will be played against bowl teams from last season.

"The Spartan Stadium atmosphere is electric for night games, and recently, we've had some incredible finishes."

In 2010, Michigan State defeated the Irish on a fake field goal in overtime. The play was called "Little Giants" by Dantonio.

The Irish lead the all-time series 46-28-1, but the Spartans have won 10 of the last 15 meetings. Nine of the last 12 games in the series have been decided by seven points or fewer. Michigan State is 2-2 in home night games against Notre Dame.

The Spartans went 2-0 in home night games last year, including a 28-6 win over Youngstown State in the season opener and 37-31 victory over Wisconsin as Keith Nichol scored on Kirk Cousins' 44-yard Hail Mary pass on the final play of regulation.

MSU SCHEDULE

Aug. 31, Boise State, 8 p.m.

Sept. 8, at Central Michigan

Sept. 15, Notre Dame, 8 p.m.

Sept. 22, Eastern Michigan

Sept. 29, Ohio State

Oct. 6, at Indiana

Oct. 13, Iowa

Oct. 20, at Michigan

Oct. 27, at Wisconsin

Nov. 3, Nebraska

Nov. 17, Northwestern

Nov. 24, at Minnesota