Michigan: Much Ado About Nothing

Despite the fact that Michigan has had more than twice the mandatory time to prepare for Notre Dame and cares less about the academic success of its athletes, Notre Dame will roll through this game easily.  While the media has been hyping this game after both teams' wins last week, one should look deeper into those wins and the overall health of each program.

Yes, Michigan won convincingly against Western Michigan last week, but how much competition did Western Michigan's defense provide with only four returning starters?  The offense Rich Rodriguez brings to Michigan is prolific and difficult to defend, generally; but for a team breaking in a new defense, the task appears even more insurmountable.

Not only is Michigan's "convincing" win questionable, but Michigan will also be missing Junior Hemingway and Tim McAvoy, with Boubacar Cissoko listed as banged up.  To Michigan's credit, it has added defensive guru Greg Robinson to its staff in addition to its continued installation of the spread offense.  Michigan has significant upside, but it won't be enough to compete with the Irish on Saturday.

Beginning with Notre Dame's high-flying offense, even a healthy Cissoko and Donovan Warren will have a tough time stopping Michael Floyd and Golden Tate.  Add Kyle Rudolph, Robby Parris, and Shaq Evans to the mix, and the Irish attack is that much more prolific.  Many commentators have noted that sending pressure against Jimmy Clausen should stifle the attack, but offensive genius Charlie Weis will simply adjust his playcalling from a deep attack to screens and passes to the flats.  As Floyd has already shown, he has big play potential; but the Irish didn't show all of their weapons against Nevada.  There are plenty more weapons in the Irish arsenal to which Michigan must find answers.  Add to the fact that the Irish running attack appears as healthy as it ever was with unimpressively slow Darius Walker leading the way.  Michigan's defense simply won't match up against the Irish offense.

The question will be Notre Dame's ability to hamper the Michigan offense.  First, one may be tempted to look at Nevada and say that the Wolfpack gained significant yardage on the ground.  Those numbers are deceiving, however, in comparison to Michigan's abilities.  The Notre Dame defense hadn't seen Nevada's offense in live action this year.  The first drive was an acclimation to the speed of the attack.  After adjusting, the Irish defense only gave up major plays in situations where a big run wouldn't result in a first down, or where running was simply eating clock, preventing a Nevada comeback.  The Irish defense has seen the spread and had time to adjust to the Michigan offense by correcting the mistakes it made against Nevada.  That spells trouble for Michigan.

The second reason Notre Dame's defense will stop Michigan, tomorrow, is John Tenuta's blitz.  The Irish may give up a big play here and there, and Michigan will score; but the Wolverines will struggle against an Irish attack that will cause significant problems for the Michigan freshmen quarterbacks.  While the freshmen were able to run their offense against weaker competition last week, they haven't seen the speed and aggressiveness of a defense like Notre Dame's.  Look for turnovers in all forms tomorrow, as Notre Dame's front seven penetrates the backfield while the stellar Irish secondary blankets Michigan's receivers.

Michigan will score a touchdown or two, but it will be the Irish who prevail in grand fashion tomorrow, reaching the Wolverine endzone at least six times.  When the game finally gets ugly, look for 110,000 Maize and Blue fans to turn against Rich Rodriguez and the Wolverine effort.  It's going to be a great day for the Irish!  Notre Dame 45 - Michigan 10