Preview And Prediction: Notre Dame

For the second time in four weeks, both Notre Dame and Michigan will be stepping onto the field for a prime time match up that the nation will be watching. It is one of college football's most storied rivalries. Notre Dame and Michigan carry so much tradition on their backs, it's hard not to get goose bumps at the just the thought of the game.

Of course, last season's game ended up being one of the most exciting in the history of these two programs getting together. It was the first night game in the Big House. It was 28 points in the 4th quarter. It was Denard Robinson to Roy Roundtree with 2 seconds left. It was beautiful chaos.

But for this meeting, Notre Dame seems to have already hit that curve and propelled forward into something called relativity. It will be exciting to see if they can continue their early season success against a Wolverine team that has won 3 meetings in a row.

Notre Dame Players to Watch

Entering week 4, Michigan has yet another tough contest against Notre Dame. Notre Dame is looking for it's first 4-0 record since 2002, and Michigan is after a 3-1 start before the conference schedule begins. Notre Dame has only allowed 30 points thus far in the season, including a great defensive performance against Michigan State in which they won 20-3. ND is also ranked 8th in the nation in points allowed, but are in the middle of the pecking order when it comes to the other major stats: passing yards, rushing yards, and points scored. That all boils down to how stingy their defense is and how Michigan can score on them. Right now, Michigan is ranked 33rd in points scored, and will need to score on every opportunity come Saturday in South Bend. Michigan has won 5 out of the last 6 meetings, with the last 3 being decided by a touchdown in the waning minutes of the game. This year figures to be no different, but Michigan has a much tougher task than usual. Here are a few players Michigan needs to keep contained:


1. Manti Te'o--Since this season there has been such an emphasis on defense for the Fighting Irish, then their defense begins with Te'o. A consensus first team preseason All-American,  Te'o has recorded 28 tackles so far this season, with one interception, one forced fumble and fumble return, and one tackle for loss. That might not sound like much to some people, but that is only over a span of 3 games so far. He is a stud inside linebacker that will probably go in the first round of the NFL draft. A 2011 finalist for the Butkus and Lott awards, he will roam all over the defense as Ray Lewis does for the Ravens. Michigan will need to run a no-huddle offense at times to wear him out and keep him from blitzing against the pass. It will be a difficult task for Michigan to contain him. Denard Robinson will not only need to not telegraph his passing reads, but also stay mobile enough out of the pocket to avoid him.

Previewing Non-Conference: Notre Dame

Michigan's 4th non-conference matchup is against Notre Dame. Keep in mind that this will be in South Bend this season, and maybe it's just me, but their schedule is brutal. So, if there are ND fans out there who think they might be in a BCS bowl bound this season...it isn't going to happen.




2011 Record: 8-5

Returning Starters: Offense – 8, Defense – 6

Brian Kelly is back for his 3rd season at the helm in South Bend. In his coaching career, he has compiled a record of 187-66-2, with stops at Grand Valley State, Central Michigan, Cincinnati, and now Notre Dame. He has gone 16-10 at ND, taking them to a postseason bowl each year, albeit a lower tier bowl.

Tommy Rees was supposed to be the starting quarterback, that is until he decided to be rowdy and get arrested on a multitude of charges.  Rumors are that he was even tasered by a police officer. One suspension later and now Everett Golson has been named the starter. Yet whether it's Golson, Rees, junior Andrew Hendrix, or even Gunner Kiel...they all have had one thing in common---turnovers. Here's an example of Tommy Rees' stats...since he's been the starter.