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Notre Dame Preview & Prediction
It’s amazing how this game has suddenly turned into the most intriguing game of the week. If the USC vs. Ohio State game was on at the same time – which one gets more viewers? It would be close. I listen to my fair share of sports talk radio as I travel for business and the likes of Colin Cowherd, Dan Patrick and a few local jobbers from the Cincy / Dayton area seem to think that the game in the Big House this week is more impactful to the college football world. Will that be the case? Well well now we shall just wait and see.
Michigan and Notre Dame both have fan bases that are so thirsty to get back into the national spotlight – both teams suffering through significant falls from grace – ND’s much longer than that of Michigan’s. Charlie Weis being on a bit of a wide and very structurally sound hot seat after 5 years of little success at the ND helm – “needs” this victory a bit more than RR. The Irish have received much credit for winning a bowl game against Hawaii and their opener against what was a decent Nevada team last year – is this credit deserved? Now that’s the real question – nothing has really happened on the field to indicate that the Irish are truly back and deserving of a national ranking.
The New Vibrations
The entire vibe around the Michigan program is drastically different this week than last – and for obvious reasons. The players that Rich Rodriguez has recruited to play in his system looked freakin’ fantastic on Saturday against Western Michigan – showing the Michigan fan base that he actually might know what he is doing. RR has implemented several changes within the program that have turned off and been questioned by many fans that still think Lloyd Carr should never have stepped down or RR isn’t the right guy for the gig. After the “week from hell” that RR experienced last week – and should Michigan be victorious against the Irish – nobody seems to a.)care b.)remember c.)understand d.)we are 2 and 0!! …..right, all these changes, allegations, etc. don’t seem to matter too much anymore now that Michigan appears to be on it’s way “back”.
Who would you rather have – Terelle Pryor or Tate Forcier & Denard Robinson?
Slightly off base as this is advertised as a preview of this week’s bout – but it’s worth mentioning. After watching TP for several games now there is no doubt that this guy is one insane athlete. However, there is doubt that he can successfully lead his team to where every OSU fan thinks he’ll lead them to – a National Championship game.
I am biased because I support the Michigan program, but I’ll say that Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson are much more well spoken than TP – and you’ve got to believe that such a thing makes a difference in the huddle and potentially preparation capabilities for a game. Attitudes are most definitely contagious – which is why I can’t help but thoroughly enjoy seeing the huge smile on Denard Robinson’s face each and every time he is interviewed. Tate as well, nothing but positivity and confidence come from this guy. That being said – who would you rather have under center? Ok- time for a quick chuckle and on to the preview…
Michigan’s O against ND’s D
QB’s. While understanding that we’ve only seen one game – this is all we really have to go from. The combination of Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson is going to present every defense with challenges. Each provide a different style of play and opposing defensive preparations must cover both guys. At The End Of The Day – Michigan’s advantage
O-Line. Michigan’s offensive line play was relatively solid last week – not allowing a sack against WMU. ND’s front seven logged 4 sacks against Nevada last week. I expect RR to counter the Irish attack with play calls that will give Tate and Denard the option to quickly throw the rock out to Odoms, Grady, Matthews, etc. on the outside. ATEOTD – Even
RB’s. Brandon Minor is expected to return to the line up this week and Carlos Brown is getting the start. RR will most likely attempt to drive the ball down the Irish’s collective throat and chew up some time – allowing the D to rest and Clausen’s arm to get cold. I’m interested in seeing more of Michael Shaw – at times he shows flashes of being a quick, slashing back – almost reminding me of the way Clarence Williams ran the ball back in the ’96 and ’97 seasons. I thought Vincent Smith looked like he has great potential in some clean up duty last week – I don’t expect to see too much of him unless RR feels comfortable with the lead or just needs to get some fresh legs in there. ATEOTD – Michigan’s Advantage
WR’s. Notre Dame’s secondary had a couple picks last week against Nevada. I look for Michigan to have the advantage here because of their talent and specifically their depth. As I’ve said and continue to say – can you remember a time when Michigan has had this many weapons and options on the outside? It’s an extensive list – and I bet I leave someone out – Kel. Grady, Tay Odoms, Roy Roundtree, Savoy, Stonum, Matthews, Hemingway, T. Robinson, Je’Ron Stokes, etc. Not that all of those players have game production, but it’s a loaded position. ATEOTD – Michigan’s advantage
Michigan’s D against ND’s O
D-Line. Ok so they are fast. B. Graham is beastly, or shall I say, Woodley-y. Mike Martin’s arms are bigger than my collective thighs. Michigan performed well against WMU’s running game – only allowing 38 yards. Michigan only netted a couple sacks against WMU – but were successful as Hiller was hurried all afternoon. It’s critical that Michigan’s front puts pressure on Clausen to either hurry his throws or get him moving around in the pocket. Michigan’s secondary is going to be burnt toast with no jam if Jimmah has all day back there to throw. ND gets the slight advantage here based on Michigan’s lack of depth. ATEOTD – Notre Dame’s advantage
LB’s. This is the unit that worries me at times. I’m not completely sold on Obi Ezeh and Jonas Mouton when going up against a solid offensive unit. Although, I don’t think anyone out of ND’s backfield is too fast for these guys. ND likes to run a lot of screens and get their backs the ball out of the backfield. I think Stevie Brown has found his home and will cover slot receivers well and provide run support. ATEOTD – Michigan’s Advantage
DB’s. Boubacar Cissoko absolutely needs to play this entire game. Michigan’s depth doesn’t exist quite yet at the corner position. J.T. Floyd didn’t impress anybody in his performance last week. Donovan Warren was a beast at times and played a very physical coverage game. I look for Warren and Cissoko to have solid games and not give up the big play. Troy Woolfolk and Mike Williams will be under pressure all day as Weis loves to get Clausen throwing deep downfield. These guys need to let the front seven do their job – and NOT bite on the play-action passes. I think ND has the advantage here, however I do not expect it to be significant enough to break the game open. ATEOTD – Notre Dame’s Advantage
Michigan Bias-ish Prediction
ATEOTD I think RR is a better coach than Weis and the Michigan bunch has a swagger, is extremely motivated, and could be on the verge of a serious September roll. That being said, Notre Dame has it’s most talented squad in a while – and the guys have experience. ND’s experience somewhat reduces the homefield advantage that belongs to Michigan. It’s very important that Michigan comes out of the gates strong – especially on D. We’ll see Tate play a poised game and get most of the snaps. I expect to see Denard in there with Tate at times – and for RR to get Denard 6-10 touches at quarterback to give him a shot to break one. Unless all is glorious and the God’s put Michigan way out front – I think it’s a 3-6 point game going into halftime and about a 6-10 point margin of victory for Michigan.
