Michigan vs. Notre Dame football preview

Wolverines look for big road win @ Notre Dame

This year's battle between the two winningest college football programs of all-time has lost some luster as both programs are struggling in 2008, and there's apparently some other big game in Los Angeles this weekend. Michigan’s offense has had little consistency through two games this season, but their defense has come on strong after a bad first half against Utah. Notre Dame did little against one of the worst programs in the country, San Diego State, and have yet to prove that they are much better than the 3-9 team of last year. With both teams in varying stages of development it is anyone’s guess what will happen in South Bend on Saturday.

When Michigan has the ball look for Notre Dame to bring pressure against the young quarterbacks to try and force turnovers. Steve Threet has not made huge mistakes in the first two games, but he does need to improve on his accuracy to hit some big plays against the pressure that he is missing. The one position that the Wolverines could not afford injuries is the place they have had the most; the offense line. Another new starter, Perry Dorrestein, takes over the left tackle spot for the injured Mark Ortman. Look for the Fighting Irish to stack the line to stop the running game and make the passing game to beat them. It is critical for Michigan to hit a couple of big plays to loosen up the defense and help to run the ball.

When Notre Dame has the ball Michigan will test the Irish offensive line that gave up 58 sacks last year. The Irish had success late in the game last week by hitting some deep passes along the sidelines against the Aztec corners. Expect the Wolverines to put Donavan Warren and Morgan Trent on an island, so the pass rush can get to the long blonde haired quarterback of the Irish. Notre Dame will try to play a physical running game with running back Robert Hughes, even though they had little success running the ball against a depleted San Diego State defensive line.

One advantage for Michigan should be in the special teams, where their kickers have been solid and though the return game has not yet clicked in 2008, there have not been any major mistakes so far. The Irish had major problems in their kicking game last week and will be working on not making the same mistakes Saturday. The game is in South Bend though and crazy things could happen.

Prediction: Notre Dame 17 - Michigan 14

by Paul Rodman
BigTen-fans.com Michigan Correspondent

More 2008 Michigan football articles from Rodman:

• Michigan Wolverines vs. Miami RedHawks Week #2 football preview
• August training camp update for the 2008 Michigan football team
• 2008 Michigan Wolverines defensive position battles
• 2008 Michigan Wolverines offensive position battles