Michigan Monday: ND Week

That might be the last time I write that headline for a long time.  Michigan taught ND the sport of football in 1887, yes 1887 and have decided to end the relationship with Michigan so they can play Duke or another ACC team.  I used to get into discussions with ND fans on which program has more tradition, Michigan or ND?  Teaching them the sport in 1887 is the tie breaker in my mind. 


Both teams are coming off easy home wins in week 1.    In ND's case, Everett Golson came back to the program after his "poor academic judgment" suspension the year before.   The "poor judgment" seems to be contagious on the team as 5 players on the Irish have that issue.  Golson didn't seem to be rusty as he threw for nearly 300 yards and 2 TD and ran for 3 more.


This should be one of the big games in the Big Ten and in the nation this week.   MSU travels to Oregon and Ohio State hosts Virginia Tech as well.   Michigan - ND might come down to which QB plays the best.   The Wolverines have struggled on the road but have won the last 6 out of 8 games against ND.  Maybe it's because Notre Dame Stadium was modeled after the Big House.   (Tie breaker #2 - Michigan has more tradition!).   


Greg Mattison might have a few sleepless nights this week thinking about Golson and his duel-threat ability.  Michigan's defense started great against App. State but this Saturday will be a whole new challenge.   Michigan will look to it's leader Jake Ryan to have a big game and might need to take him out of the middle of the defense to run down or pressure Golson. 


ND on the other hand might have some issues in their defensive backfield with the suspensions and injuries.  I don't believe Brian Kelly was too happy with his safety play against Rice.   If Michigan's offensive line can hold up, that could equal a big day for the Devin to Devin connection. 


Michigan's only question mark going into Saturday is the status of mega recruit Jabrill Peppers who injured his ankle in the first half against App. State.  Hopefully, we will have an updated status today during Coach Hoke's press conference.   Coach Hoke said he was held out as a "precaution" but we will see what his status is as the week continues. 


This game has always been a great early season rivalry and it's too bad this might be the last time for along time.   Maybe we will see them in a bowl game or a playoff game down the road.   I'm betting that game might get some attention. 

HAVE A GREAT LABOR DAY!