Week 2: Notre Dame vs. Michigan

Tonight is a big one! Later this evening, the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame will host the Michigan Wolverines for the final scheduled meeting. While I do believe this historic series will resume in the future, bragging rights are on the line for now. Both teams are coming off of lopsided wins against inferior opponents, so tonight’s tilt will be a challenge for both programs.

For Notre Dame to win, they’ll have to score early and often. Everett Golson looked spectacular in his return versus Rice, but now he’ll have to prove it against better competition. In 2012, Golson was yanked in the first half after a poor performance versus the Wolverines, but he matured later in that season and now looks like a different player. I expect Golson to play extremely well with all the talent around him. Notre Dame’s depth at receiver is probably the best it has been under Brian Kelly, and it showed last week. Golson has plenty of speedy, lengthy, and physical options to throw to, so it is just question of which one will make plays this week. Tarean Folston, Greg Bryant, and Cam McDaniel all have different running styles, so it will be hard for Michigan to stop all three of them. We’re still waiting for Greg Bryant to have a breakout game, and tonight it might be the night. I like how he is fearless with the ball in his hands and I really feel he is going to be playmaker this season. Overall, Notre Dame should have no problem offensively.

While Notre Dame will likely find the end zone several times, Michigan should have success offensively as well. Last year, Devin Gardner lit up an experienced Irish defense, and he should have no problem doing the same this season against an inexperienced secondary. Gardner’s biggest weapon will be Devin Funchess. Funchess is coming off of a three touchdown performance last week, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he finds the end zone three more times tonight. The Irish don’t have anyone in the defensive backfield that can matchup with Funchess and his 6’5, 230 pound body. If Notre Dame has any hopes of slowing down Funchess, then safeties Max Redfield and Elijah Shumate must play much better than they did last weekend. They seemed confused on some of their coverage schemes throughout the afternoon. If that happens again, it will be a long night for the Irish.  One advantage that Notre Dame might have on defense is their defensive line versus Michigan’s young offensive line. Sheldon Day and Andrew Trumbetti looked good last week, so hopefully they can get a pass rush on Gardner and force some bad throws. If Gardner tries to run, linebacker Jaylon Smith should be able to stop him in his tracks with his elite speed and athleticism.

This rivalry has provided many exciting games, and I expect the same thing tonight. It will be a shootout, but I think Everett Golson is ready to for this game and the Irish will pull it out at home.

Prediction: Notre Dame 45, Michigan 38

-Eric Tichelbaut

Twitter: @etichel07