The Spartans (2-1), who stunned Notre Dame in overtime a year ago with a game-winning touchdown pass off a fake field goal, tried to surprise the Irish with another fake near the end of the first half.
Notre Dame (1-2) was ready this time. On fourth and goal from the two-yard line, Ethan Johnson broke up a shovel-pass attempt and the Irish led 21-10 at halftime.
Michigan State's Kirk Cousins, who had 11 straight completions at one juncture of the second half, was 34 for 53 for 329 yards but was intercepted at the Notre Dame six with just under four minutes leftby Blanton, who returned it 82 yards to the 12.
The Spartans had just recovered a fumbled punt by Notre Dame's John Goodman at the Irish 21 and were ready to set the stage for another frantic finish between the rivals. But with the Spartans trailing 28-13 and having a first and goal at the three, Blanton came up with a juggling interception and took off on his long return that sealed the win.
Notre Dame limited the Spartans to 29 yards rushing in 23 carries. And Michigan State was hurt by its own sloppiness — 12 penalties for 86 yards. Cousins completed 12 of his passes to B.J. Cunningham as the Spartans were forced to go to the air and play catch-up.
Notre Dame quarterback Tommy Rees overcame a first-half fumble and interception and finished 18 for 26 for 161 yards.
Notre Dame stretched the lead quickly in the third quarter when Rees connected with Michael Floyd on a 22-yard pass and then lofted a perfect 26-yarder to T.J. Jones for a touchdown and a 28-20 edge.
Earlier in the second quarter, Wood's six-yard touchdown run capped a 92-yard drive — featuring a 33-yard pass to Floyd and a 16-yard toss to Tyler Eifert — that put the Irish ahead, 21-10.
Cousins came right back after a 42-yard kickoff return by Nick Hill gave the Spartans good field position. His 21-yard pass to Todd Anderson and an 11-yarder to Cunningham gave the Spartans a first down at the Irish eight.
But after the drive stalled, Michigan State lined up for a field goal, only to have its attempt at trickery turned away.
