Notre Dame in Ann Arbor: The Keys to Another Successful Saturday

In the midst of Hurricane Holtz, Brian Smith returned a fumble 35-yards—the sixth turnover of the Wolverine's '08 date in South Bend.

That play sums up the four quarters last year in Notre Dame Stadium.

After that 18-point drubbing of turnover-prone Michigan, Notre Dame now travels to Ann Arbor in '09 against a revitalized Wolverine team. A mild face lift and a opening win against Western Michigan later, Michigan wants nothing more than to get revenge on their own grass.

If one had looked at both team's schedules two weeks ago, the game might not have had a red circle around it. However, after two convincing wins, this game has a new feel to it—a typical Michigan and Notre Dame face off.

The Irish will most likely come into Ann Arbor as the slight favorite being a ranked team.

This game is not, however, a guaranteed win. In order for an Irish win, the following things must happen:

The offensive line must provide time for Clausen, while controlling the trench-battle.

I intentionally started with this key because if it doesn't happen, Notre Dame will not win.

Clausen needs time and protection in order to find his receivers. Once the ball is released, the job will get done.

If the line allows the Michigan defenders to get to Clausen it could be a long day. Especially on the team's first road test, the line needs to make Clausen feel at home after he drops back. The line's success against Nevada needs to be carried into Ann Arbor.

The unit has another job to worry about—creating holes. Against Nevada, the line played much better than I had anticipated. Holes were noticeable on many plays, even though the backs did not always hit them.

This week, they will most likely have a bigger challenge. Michigan has more talent along the defensive line than Nevada, yet less experience.

The Irish don't need to record 150-plus yards on the ground in order to win on Saturday. They do, however, need to establish a running game that will set-up the pass, yet still serve as a threat.

The Irish receivers must impose their will on the Michigan defensive backfield.

Lets face it—there aren't any better duos of receivers in the nation than Floyd and Tate.

The question here is how Rodriguez will matchup his cornerbacks. If he chooses to put "Boo-Boo" Cissoko on No. 3, Floyd will have yet another field day. 

Not only is Floyd seven inches and 45 pounds bigger than him, but he has already shown what he can do to him at the All-American game.

The aerial attack will be the way to beat Michigan. The Wolverine's defensive backfield does not have the depth or experience to cover three or four wide receiver sets.

Duval Kamara and Robby Parris also will serve problems as they, like Floyd, are taller receivers. These two, along with No .9, will play a big part in this game as Michigan will have problems matching up.

Rudolph is going to need to be a big part of the offense. Compared to the Michigan safeties, Rudolph will look giant-like.

Clausen needs to find him over the middle as he will have great advantages in his match ups.

The defensive line needs to have more impact on the game.

Against Nevada, the game came down to the linebackers shutting down the Nevada offense. Very rarely did you hear the name of one of the front four.

In week two, that needs to change due to Michigan's inexperienced quarterbacks.

Facing freshman quarterbacks is Jon Tenuta's speciality (18-1 in his career). That one loss came to a Georgia team with Matthew Stafford under center.

The line needs to introduce Forcier and Robinson to the real college football experience— quarterback hurries, sacks, and tackles for loss. In the Michigan opener, all three were given time and seemed relax in the pocket.

Kapron Lewis-Moore and Kerry Neal need to become a threat off the edge and hit the quarterback, especially Forcier. If they can knock him around and get him uncomfortable, this could be a repeat of '08.

Tackles Ian Williams and Ethan Johnson cannot afford to be pushed around again. Last week, they allowed the Wolf Pack to consistently find holes up the middle, resulting in double-digit gains. The middle needs to be solidified in Ann Arbor in order for victory.

After Oregon's season opener on the blue turf, Bob Davie said, "Oregon is just like every other spread option team. If they have to throw, they become really ordinary".

If the Irish can get Michigan to throw the football, among focusing on the other keys, it will be another successful Saturday for the Irish.