ND Preview

Time: 7:30 EST
Location: South Bend
TV: NBC
Weather: 71/50
Line: ND -3.5


Neither ND or Michigan were tested last Saturday as both QB's were coming back after years they both would like to forget. Everett Golson was suspended for a year for an academic issue and Devin Gardner just didn't play well behind a poor offensive line and finished the year with a foot injury. Both guys throw and ran effectively last weekend, this weekend will be different.


This will be the last game in the long series between these two programs. As ND now will be playing an ACC schedule, they decided to end the series. Which probably makes sense from the ND side as the Wolverines have won 6 out of the last 8 contests. As we all know, those Michigan teams haven't been the greatest in the programs history either. Of course yesterday, ND announced a home and home with Ohio State in like 2023.


Tale of the Tape
Golson vs. Frank Clark = Frank Clark missing a few sacks
Golson vs. Jake Ryan = Michigan needs Jake to win this battle
Devin2Devin vs. ND's DB's = Devin's
Michigan's Oline vs. ND Dline = Push


In this game two years ago, Golson was clearly a running QB that only wanted to throw id he had to (he even got pulled during this game). If you stopped the run, you stopped ND - it took Alabama to do that and Michigan almost did as they couldn't get into the end zone with Denard at QB. Last year, it was just a shoot out that Michigan ended up winning.


Golson is a better QB after sitting out for a year, he has worked on this throwing and pick his spots to try to beat the Wolverines deep. Brian Kelly will want to run the ball and use the pass to hit some big plays. If both work, Michigan is in trouble in this game. The Irsh Offensive line is experienced and it should be a good battle with the Wolverines talented and deep Dline. It will be interesting to see what coach Nuss will draw up for this game.


Michigan needs to run the ball but should have a very nice advantage at WR with Funchess and others as ND DB's have struggled in this game. Coach Nuss has to call a great here as there will need to be some points scored.


Sing Hail to the Victors if..........
-Michigan can get effective pass rush on Golson
-The Michigan LB's can tackle him near the LOS
-Michigan can run the ball for long drives for TD's
-If Green or Smith go for over a 100 yards
-Devin throws for 250 yards
-Funchess is started to be talked about in the Heisman race


Say at least this is the last time I have to watch this sh** if..
-Golson is killing the Michigan D with the running game
-Sheldon Day is hitting RB's and DG in the backfield
-Brian Kelly's face doesn't explode
-Michigan's Oline doesn't hold up
-Michigan is kicking field goals instead of TD's
-Michigan remembers they are on the road


When the lights come on, both of these team like to score a bunch or points. This will happen again, I still have faith in Greg Mattison as this game is personal for him. Coach Nuss already beat ND two years ago, just with another team. I think Michigan will have a good plan on both sides of the ball, the boys will now have to execute it. The #1 key to a Michigan victory in my mind is can the Michigan D get pass rush on Golson and keep him from scrambling for big runs. I like how our DB's match up with ND's WR. Michigan doesn't play well on the road but they do seem to give a better effort in Notre Dame Stadium.


  I expect big games from:
- The Devin's
- Jake Ryan
- DeVeon Smith
- 2 interceptions for Michigan's secondary


I don't know if Peppers will play, my guess is he won't. Which is too bad because he will get a shot at making some big plays. My guess is Brian Kelly would look to test the freshman before they look to throw at The Count or Ray Taylor.
Michigan 31 ND 27


GO BLUE!