Michigan vs. Notre Dame: Biggest Factors to Watch for in Rivalry Clash

The rivalry between No. 18 Michigan and No. 11 Notre Dame will be turned up a notch Saturday night in South Bend when the two programs meet with plenty on the line.

The Wolverines have won the last three meetings, edging the Irish by four points each time. This matchup is sure to go down to the wire as well. 

Here we preview the biggest factors in Saturday night's rivalry showdown in South Bend. 

Notre Dame Defense

The Irish have been outstanding defensively, allowing just 10 points per game and only three points to Michigan State at home last weekend. But Notre Dame has not faced an offense as high-powered as Michigan's.

Senior linebacker Manti Te'o, the unquestioned leader of the Irish defense, has 28 tackles, two passes defended and one interception through three games. The 6'2", 255-pound talent will have his group ready to play against the Wolverines.

Brian Kelly's Irish held Michigan State to 237 total yards of offense last weekend in East Lansing. If they can put together a similar performance at home this weekend, they will be on their way to a 4-0 start. Still, considering Michigan's firepower, that's a tall task.

Denard Robinson

The Notre Dame defense has yet to face a playmaking quarterback like Denard Robinson this season. A Heisman Trophy candidate, Robinson is capable of burning defenses on the ground and through the air. 

The senior signal-caller has 1,050 yards and 10 total touchdowns through three games and will give the Irish fits on Saturday night. In 2010, Robinson torched Notre Dame's defense for 502 total yards and three touchdowns. Last season, he racked up nearly 450 total yards and scored five times against the Irish.

Michigan is 3-0 against Notre Dame during the Robinson era in Ann Arbor. That streak is one the Fighting Irish are anxious to bring to an end.

Irish Ground Attack

In order for Notre Dame to control the pace of Saturday's matchup and to keep Robinson off the field, it must establish an effective running game. The Irish ran the ball for 122 yards last week against Michigan State while holding the Spartans to 50.

The running back trio of Theo Riddick, George Atkinson III and Cierre Wood has been stellar for Notre Dame thus far and will need to be dominant to keep the Wolverines defense honest and on the field.

Notre Dame sophomore quarterback Everett Golson is still suspect under center and will need a dependable running game to lean on against Michigan. If Notre Dame's ground attack is as effective as it was against Navy and Michigan State, the team will be on its way to a win. If not, look for Michigan to prevail. 

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter for more College Football take, reaction, predictions and analysis.