The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame (14th ranked,
1-0) travel to Ann Arbor to take on the Michigan Wolverines (17th
ranked, 1-0) for what figures to be the last trip to The Big House for quite
awhile. Because of Notre Dame’s new agreement with the ACC, the Irish were
forced to drop one of their regular opponents. Although it is unfortunate this
series is coming to a halt, I fully expect the rivalry to be renewed down the
road. But, that is a topic for another day.
The real story is that this game has potential national
implications. The winner of tomorrow night’s game will undoubtedly enter the
top 10, and at the very least becomes contenders for a BCS bowl appearance. While
the outcome of the game will be decided on the field, the two head coaches certainly
did their part to add more hype into this matchup. In May, Michigan head coach
Brady Hoke said that Notre Dame was “chickening
out” by opting out of the annual contest. In response, Notre Dame head
coach Brian Kelly claimed earlier this week that he hasn’t “…seen it as one of
those historic, traditional Notre Dame rivalries…" Well, I’m glad we got
that out of the way!
Now, can we get back to the action between the sidelines?
I fully expect this game to come down to the final minutes.
Last season, Notre Dame only managed 13 points off of six turnovers and
Michigan was held to just six points. Things should be different this time. In
2012, Notre Dame was trying to nurse along redshirt freshman Everett Golson,
and Tommy Rees was called upon to manage the game with the Irish defense in
control. On the other hand, Michigan had a running back trying play quarterback
in Denard Robinson, but this year they turn to Devin Gardner. Gardner was a
wide receiver during last season’s game, so that should tell you about his
athleticism. The Irish defense will indeed have their hands full in trying to
contain Gardner from running, but he is also a much more skilled passer than
Robinson ever was. Michigan should be able to challenge the Notre Dame defense,
and has two talent wideouts in Jeremy Gallon and Devin Funchess that are
capable of making big plays. Michigan will also try to run the ball with
Fitzgerald Toussaint, but I expect the Irish defense to keep him in-check. If
the Irish secondary can keep Gallon and Funchess in front of them and avoid the
big plays, then Notre Dame will have a chance to pull out the road win.
Offensively, the Irish should be able to move the ball on
the Wolverine defense. The issue is whether or not they can put points on the
board. Obviously, scoring touchdowns is the main priority, but Notre Dame must
also be able to convert on any field goal attempts they come across. As always,
Notre Dame will look to run the ball early and often. With a plethora of
talented and diverse running backs, Michigan could have trouble keeping up with
the Irish ground attack. If not, then Notre Dame will have to turn to Tommy
Rees for offensive production. Rees looked very good last week, and had plenty
of success throwing the ball in Ann Arbor during the 2011 meeting. The problem
during that game was the turnovers. If Rees can keep the turnover count at or
under one, then the Irish offense will be in great shape. Michigan struggled
against the pass late last season (allowing 11 TD’s and 0 INTs in their final
five games), and Rees has the weapons in T.J. Jones, DaVaris Daniels, Chris
Brown, and Troy Niklas to stretch the Wolverine defense.
This one should be another classic.
Prediction: Notre
Dame 24, Michigan 20
-Eric Tichelbaut
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