7 Reasons Why Notre Dame Will Beat Michigan

One of college football's great rivalries will be renewed on Saturday night when Notre Dame travels to Michigan for the first night game in the 85-year history of Michigan Stadium. 

Notre Dame is coming off  a miserable performance in a 23-20 loss to South Florida, turning the ball over five times—three inside the Bulls' 10-yard line.  Michigan cruised to a 34-10 win over in-state foe Western Michigan, as the defense that was much maligned for all of 2010 scored two touchdowns to spark the victory.

Given the Week 1 results, why have the Las Vegas oddsmakers favored Notre Dame to go on the road and defeat their bitter rival? 

Here are seven reasons why the Fighting Irish will spoil one of the most anticipated nights in Michigan football history.

No. 1: Tommy Rees

The sophomore quarterback is still undefeated as a starter, and despite throwing two interceptions against South Florida after replacing Dayne Crist, brought some life to a sputtering Irish offense.  Rees is not as physically gifted as Crist, but brings composure and consistency to the team that Crist has struggled to find.

Rees and star wide receiver Michael Floyd began to click during consecutive victories to end the 2010 season over USC and Miami, and Floyd was much more productive in the second half last Saturday with Rees under center. 

In his first three starts, Rees played in three of the more famous venues in sports:  Notre Dame Stadium, Yankee Stadium and Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.  Michigan Stadium will not intimidate him.

No. 2: Denard Robinson

The junior quarterback had a breakout performance last year in the Wolverines' 28-24 win in South Bend, as the Notre Dame defense had no answers for Robinson's speed.  As the season progressed, teams began to catch on, with Robinson struggling to stay healthy, and Michigan stumbling to a 2-6 finish after a 5-0 start.

Robinson is learning a new offense, and despite coordinator Al Borges' willingness to let him run more than his system is designed to do, the transition will take some time.  With plenty of blueprints having been displayed on how to defend the dynamic Robinson, the Irish defense will be much more prepared for No. 16 than they were a year ago.

No. 3: Michael Floyd

Floyd was the best player on the field against South Florida on Saturday and will be once again in Ann Arbor.  The senior receiver still managed 142 yards and two touchdowns despite no help from T.J. Jones, Theo Riddick and Tyler Eifert.

Floyd has five touchdown receptions from Tommy Rees in the past three games, and the duo should continue that trend on Saturday night with Michigan cornerback Troy Woolfolk hobbled by a sprained ankle. 

Western Michigan completed 22 of their 31 passes against the Wolverines, so the Irish should have the passing game clicking on all cylinders.

No. 4: The Lights

Despite also not playing night games at home (until this season), Notre Dame has much more experience under the lights than Michigan.  The Wolverines have only played two night games in the past three seasons and haven't won a night game since 2007. 

Notre Dame was 3-1 last year at night, all away from home.  Night games are a different animal than playing in the sunshine, and the Irish have the experience edge in a factor of the game that should not be overlooked.

No. 5: Manti Te'o

While Denard Robinson was unstoppable against some poor defenses early in the 2010 season, he was knocked out of games against physical defenses of Michigan State, Iowa and Illinois.  The Irish defense was the lone bright spot of Saturday's loss, and Te'o is the heart and soul of the front seven.

The Irish defense is the most physical that it's been in almost a decade, and that is the perfect recipe to affect Robinson.  At any moment, a hit from Te'o could force the fragile quarterback off the field and throw a major wrench into the Wolverines' offensive game plan.

No. 6: Special Teams

While David Ruffer badly missed a short field goal in the loss to South Florida, the Irish kicker only missed one field goal in all of 2010, including making all seven attempts from 40 yards or longer.  Michigan is much less experienced and did not attempt a field goal in their opener.

Sophomore Brendan Gibbons made four of his five extra point attempts against Western Michigan but did not make a field goal from 30 yards or longer in 2010.  True freshman Matt Rile is also in the mix for field goal duties.  If the game goes to overtime, Notre Dame has a major advantage on special teams.

No. 7: Urgency

Brian Kelly's honeymoon is over in his second year at Notre Dame, especially after the mistake-filled loss to South Florida.  Brady Hoke was left with major holes on defense and new schemes to install when he took over at Michigan nine months ago, so the Wolverines fans are accepting of a slow climb back to the top of the Big Ten.

Desperate teams play like there is no tomorrow, and if the Irish start 0-2, any hopes of a return to a BCS bowl are likely out the door.  Without a conference title to play for, it's all about BCS bowl games for the Fighting Irish.  Unless they want to see a once promising season go up in smoke in a matter of eight days, they'll be at their best on Saturday night.