Michigan Football: 10 Best Games in the Michigan-Notre Dame Rivalry

The Michigan-Notre Dame rivalry is one of the most storied of all time.

Two programs with such rich, deep tradition have left us with some spectacular memories of nail-biting games in the past.

Fans of both teams were excited to hear that a 20-year extension would keep these schools playing each other through the year 2031.

With the first night game at the Big House approaching this Saturday, we take a look at 10 of the best games between the Wolverines and the Fighting Irish.

1980: Notre Dame 29, Michigan 27

The Irish jumped out to an early 14-0 halftime lead over the Wolverines, only to find themselves down 21-14 in the third quarter.

After fighting back to re-take the lead, Notre Dame saw Michigan score a late touchdown and go up 27-26.

Irish kicker Harry Oliver was the reason for the one-point deficit after missing an extra point on Notre Dame's third touchdown.

He made up for his mistake by kicking a 51-yard field goal as time expired to catapult the Irish to victory. 

1986: Michigan 24, Notre Dame 23

1986 was Lou Holtz's debut as the Notre Dame head coach.

In this game, the Irish put up 455 yards of offense and never punted. They turned the ball over several times deep in Michigan territory.

Once again, it came down to a last-second field goal to decide the game. Notre Dame kicker John Carney was wide with his kick, allowing the Wolverines to escape with a one-point victory.

Despite losing the game, Notre Dame actually moved up in the polls the following week.

1988: Notre Dame 19, Michigan 17

The Irish struggled to cash in on several opportunities in this game, having to settle for field goals on four different drives throughout the game.

Ricky Watters managed to be the difference-maker, taking a Michigan punt back 81 for the only Notre Dame touchdown on the day.

Notre Dame's final field goal put them ahead with just over a minute to play. Michigan kicker Mike Gillette missed an opportunity to win the game for the Wolverines, missing a 48-yarder as time expired.

1989: Notre Dame 24, Michigan 19

This one was a rain-soaked game in which the Irish only attempted two passes against the Michigan defense.

The Wolverines did a very good job of holding the Notre Dame offense at bay, but gave up two consecutive kick returns for touchdowns to Rocket Ismail that proved to be the difference in the game.

This was legendary coach Bo Schembechler's final year at the helm, as he retired and chose Gary Moeller as his replacement after the season.

1991: Michigan 24, Notre Dame 14

Michigan dominated the time of possession in this game, holding the ball for over 40 minutes.

Quarterback Elvis Grbac was spectacular, completing 20-of-22 pass attempts throughout the afternoon.

His most notable completion was on 4th-and-1, in which he threw a long pass to a completely stretched out Desmond Howard, who would go on to win the Heisman trophy later that year.

1994: Michigan 26, Notre Dame 24

All hope looked lost for the Wolverines as Notre Dame managed to take the lead late.

Michigan quarterback Todd Collins, who had chosen the Wolverines over the Irish in his recruitment, led his team down the field with just seconds to go.

With the weight of the world on his shoulders, Remy Hamilton drilled a perfect field goal at the end of the game to give Michigan a dramatic 26-24 victory.

1997: Michigan 21, Notre Dame 14

Michigan managed to will their way to a 21-14 lead in the third quarter of this game.

Later on, Notre Dame managed to recover fumbles deep in Michigan territory on three different occasions. Despite being put in a tough position, the Wolverine defense managed to keep the Irish off the scoreboard for the remainder of the game to preserve a Michigan victory.

That same defense would carry Michigan to a perfect season and a national championship under head coach Lloyd Carr.

1999: Michigan 26, Notre Dame 22

Notre Dame held the lead going into the fourth quarter of this one, only to see Michigan score late in the game to give themselves a 26-22 advantage.

After a controversial penalty on the go-ahead touchdown, the Irish were given good field position to mount a comeback drive.

After an unorganized attempt at a two-minute drill, the Irish failed to get out of bounds, and watched the clock run out on their chances to beat the Wolverines that year.

2009: Michigan 38, Notre Dame 34

If Rich Rodriguez gave Michigan fans anything, he provided two of the most exciting games of the Notre Dame rivalry during his tenure.

In 2009, then-starting quarterback Tate Forcier led the Wolverines down the field at the Big House, trailing by three.

With just 11 seconds left in the game, Forcier connected with wide receiver Greg Matthews for the go-ahead touchdown.

Michigan held Notre Dame at bay, and they went on to win the game 38-34.

2010: Michigan 28, Notre Dame 24

After a dramatic win in Ann Arbor in 2009, the Wolverines would have to visit South Bend to take on Notre Dame in 2010.

Not to be outdone by his predecessor, new starting quarterback Denard Robinson put on a performance for the ages.

Robinson managed to run for 258 yards and two touchdowns, and he threw for 244 yards and one touchdown.

The new Michigan quarterback capped off his day by rushing for the go-ahead touchdown with 27 seconds left, giving Michigan the 28-24 victory on the road.

Erik Underwood is the creator of Saturdays in the Fall. Follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/ErikUnderwood