Notre Dame at Michigan Preview

            
            The rivalry between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and University of Michigan Wolverines dates back all the way to 1887. In autumn of that year the Wolverines football team visited South Bend to teach the newly formed Notre Dame football team the basics of the game. Little did anybody know that that would result in one of college football’s best rivalries with two of college football most storied programs.

            
            Michigan has won the past five games against Notre Dame, but in the past two they have only won by a combined eight points. Last year Notre Dame could have easily won (I seem to say that a lot with the Irish), but nobody on the Irish defense could even slow down Michigan quarterback, Denard Robinson, as he racked up 500 total yards just by himself.

            
            This year the game is being blitzed by the media for several reasons. First off, it’s Notre Dame and Michigan. No matter how bad the two teams are they are two teams that are the foundation of college football. This year’s game will also be the first night game at Michigan Stadium. The two teams will also wear “retro” uniforms.

Michgan's uniform features stripes on the shoulders. Notre Dame has green numbers and striped socks.

Keys to an Irish Victory

No Turnovers- Last week’s 5-tunrover cannot be duplicated if the Fighting Irish expect to leave Ann Arbor with a victory. There can’t be any bonehead moves by players. Everybody needs to be focused on moving the ball down the field and getting into the end zone. That means you Jonas Gray, Theo Riddick, and T.J. Jones.

Stop Denard Robinson- Hopefully some of the returning Irish defense remembers Robinson’s thrashing of them last year. Robinson is the key to Michigan’s offense. If he is stopped, they will not score. The Irish defense held the USF offense to just one touchdown last game and their quarterback likes to run all over field similar to Robinson.

Balance on offense- It seems like when Tommy Rees, who was named the starting quarterback over Dayne Crist thankfully, is in the game the Irish throw the ball a lot. This isn’t a bad thing necessarily, but it can lead to interceptions and sacks. Notre Dame running back, Cierre Wood, needs to continue the good job he had last week and rip off some good runs to keep the Wolverines secondary honest. Michigan’s defense is supposed to be improved from last year, but they gave up 183 passing yards and 70 rushing yards in three quarters to Western Michigan.

            Michigan is not that great of a team, although the same could be said for Notre Dame. If Notre Dame can play solid and not do anything stupid this game should be theirs to lose. The key to a Michigan victory may not even be on the field. You just know that the 109,000 fans at Michigan Stadium will be rocking tomorrow night. There is a lot of lead up to this game and they will be dying to see their Michigan Wolverines win.

            My predicted score: 31-21, Notre Dame.

Tune into "College Gameday" on ESPN Saturday morning at 10 a.m. The show is broadcasting from right outside Michigan Stadium.


GO IRISH!

The newly renovated Michigan Stadium. Suites and press boxes have been added (the giant brick structures along the side). This is thought to keep more of the crowd noise inside the stadium. We'll find out tomorrow night if that's true.