Game Review: Notre Dame

This was one of the more frustrating losses for Michigan in recent history, losing 13-6 to the Irish. The Wolverines did not put up points until early in the 4^th quarter when the offense was pushed back after looking like they would punch it in the endzone, resulting in a field goal. The Irish then responded with a field goal of their own to cushion the lead to 10. Michigan would add another field goal late to come within 7, but the Irish, led by Tommy Rees, converted a late third down to put the game out of reach. It was the first Irish victory over the Wolverines in 4 years.

Helping break down this game and giving us his opinion will be The East Side Perspective's own Clayton Tinkle.

Michigan

Tyler Fenwick- The Wolverines played an incredibly sloppy game Saturday night in South Bend. Denard Robinson turned the ball over 5 times (4 INTs, 1 fumble), and Vincent Smith added one more to the pile by being picked off in the endzone on an attempted halfback pass. Only scoring 6 points while committing 6 turnovers will never take you very far.

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.