It’s Friday again, and that means game prediction time. The Irish are trying to rebound after a difficult opening loss to South Florida. With a lot on the line for Saturday game, can Notre Dame overcome a hostile crowd in the Big House to get their back on track?
Mike Frank
Notre Dame has a lot to play for in this game. The Irish senior class has suffered through a lot of disappointment in their time at Notre Dame, including two recent losses to Michigan that seem unexplainable. The Irish simply haven’t played well against Michigan for the past two contests, and have lost four out of their past five games against the Wolverines-----a trend ND fans would love to reverse.
I do think the Irish play much better on Saturday. I do expect them to play much more disciplined and limit the turnovers in the Big House.
However, I’m still not sold this team has the killer instinct to win what I believe will be a very close game. I’m also not sure the Irish defense has the answer for what will likely be an improved Denard Robinson. I expect both team the reach the 30s, and somehow, someway, the Irish stumble once again in Ann Arbor.
Michigan: 34 Notre Dame: 30
Christian McCollum
The Irish bounce back against the rival Wolverines in primetime, but it isn't pretty the whole way through either. QB Tommy Rees leads the Irish to 10 points in the first quarter, but the offense is shut out until midway through the third quarter. Notre Dame's defense comes up huge though, keeping Michigan's offense in check most of the night before forcing a huge turnover in the fourth quarter that sets up Notre Dame's final score. Rees finishes with close to 300 yards passing while Cierre Wood again passes the 100-yard mark.
Notre Dame: 27 Michigan: 21
Trent Adams
Notre Dame comes into this game with a chip on its shoulder and it will bounce back. Tommy Rees throws for 310 yards, and three touchdowns without turning the ball over. The Notre Dame defense holds Denard Robinson in check, holding him to 150 yards passing, and 47 yards rushing. Robinson also makes a few mistakes throwing a pick and losing a fumble. Cierre Wood records his second straight 100-yard game, and the Irish start fast in Ann Arbor and come away with a big win.
Notre Dame: 34 Michigan: 14
Bryan Driskell
Notre Dame will look to rebound after its season opening loss to South Florida. Michigan comes into the game with a 1-0 record after beating Western Michigan in their weather shortened season opener. Brian Kelly is looking for his first career win over Michigan, and in order to do that he will have to shut down Wolverine quarterback Denard Robinson. Robinson is more than capable of taking over this football game and putting Michigan on his back for a victory. His ability to make plays with his legs and arm will have to be contained. If Notre Dame can slow Robinson down they should be able to keep Michigan from racking up a lot of yards and points. Notre Dame will have to be disciplined against Robinson, and fundamental tackling will also be important. The Irish cannot allow Robinson to pick up a lot of extra yards. If Notre Dame can slow down Robinson, slow down the Michigan ground game, and tackle well they should give their offense a chance to win the football game.
Offensively, the Irish have to avoid the big turnovers. Notre Dame should be able to move the football against a Wolverine defense still adjusting to Greg Mattison’s new defensive schemes. Michigan will have some issues covering Notre Dame’s talented pass-catchers, but the Irish players will have to make the plays when the ball comes their way. The biggest key for Notre Dame will be winning the ball up front. Mattison will bring a lot of pressure and will throw a lot of different looks at the Irish, so the line and quarterback Tommy Rees will have to be smart and pick up those pressures. If Notre Dame wins the battle up front they should be able to handle the Wolverine defense with relative ease. Look for Notre Dame to attack the blitz with its screen game and the quick game, and it will result in a big game for Rees.
Notre Dame: 34 Michigan: 24
