NOTRE DAME — Dick Vitale had a message for Michigan State alumnus Magic Johnson: “Your Spartans are going down, baby.”

He also had a message for Notre Dame Nation: “Be patient.”

The long-time basketball sportscaster was on campus Friday to promote his new children’s book, “Dickie V’s ABC’s and 123’s,” which benefits Pediatric Cancer Research.

Despite the Irish football team’s early shortcomings, Vitale thinks it’s destined for success under head coach Brian Kelly’s leadership.

“I think they’re going to go on a roll, I really do,” he said. “They’re too talented.”

He even has a prediction for Saturday’s game.

“31 the Irish, 24 the Spartans, and the roll begins,” he said.

Vitale, sporting a Fighting Irish pullover at the book signing, has an honorary degree at Notre Dame, although he said he would have never been accepted into the school.

“I couldn’t even spell ‘Notre Dame,’” he joked on Friday. “I got a 1,500 on my SATs. I got 500, 500, 500, three different times.”

His two daughters and sons-in-law attended school there, something Vitale said he’s “very proud” of.

“My family loves the Irish,” he said.