Nortre Dame vs. Michigan: 5 Things Michigan Can Build on after Thrilling Vitory

The first prime-time game ever at home in Michigan football history turned into an instant classic.  As star quarterback Denard Robinson says, “It’s never over until you see zeros on the clock." 

After the Michigan vs. Notre Dame thriller there is much to take and build on for the Wolverines. 

So what can we take out of this game?

Brady Hoke's Guts

With time running out, Brady Hoke had to make one of the toughest decisions in his short Michigan career. He could have easily went for the safe choice and attempted a field goal to push the game into overtime, but he didn't. 

Knowing very well the rivalry between Michigan and Norte Dame, Hoke went for it, and with two seconds left, Denard Robinson passed to Roy Roundtree for an astounding game-winning touchdown. 

Brady Hoke showed true grit, guts, balls whatever you want to say and this is something that Rich Rodriguez lacked. If Hoke can make these decisions and trust his team throughout the season, Michigan might surprise and make a BCS bowl game.

Denard Robinson's Playmaking Ability

Although Denard Robinson threw three interceptions, he still compiled almost 450 yards of offense and turned it on when it counted. 

Stifled in the first half going 2-of-9 for 48 yards, a TD and an INT, Hoke must have had an inspiring halftime speech because Robinson went on to go 9-of-15 for 290 yards, three TDs, two INTs and a fumble recovery for a touchdown in the second.

Down 24-7 heading into the fourth quarter, many would have written off the Wolverines.  If you turned off your TV, I'm sure you hate yourself right now. 

You can never write off the playmaking ability of Robinson and as we all know he led Michigan to 28 fourth quarter points for the victory. He is easily on the list of early season Heisman candidates and looks to lead the Wolverines to a victory next week against Eastern Michigan.

Junior Hemingway's Performance

The fifth-year senior Junior Hemingway had quite a game. He is the receiver to keep an eye on as he clearly shows great chemistry with Denard Robinson and caught three balls for a ridiculous 165 yards.  One of those catches was a career high 77-yard catch, the others a 43-yard touchdown and a 45-yarder. 

Although he dropped a few balls clearly he has great big play ability and right now he is the biggest deep threat for the Wolverines. Look for him to build on this game and continue to excel the rest of the season. 

Defensive Turnovers Continue

Michigan's defense once again came out and forced a bunch of turnovers. After compiling three turnovers against Western Michigan (two fumbles, one interception) the Wolverines recovered three Notre Dame fumbles and picked off Tommy Rees two times. 

Turnovers are always a huge part of football and if you can win the battle of the turnover margin, most of the time your team will come out with a victory. Look for Michigan's defense to build on this and continue to be ball hawks and lead the Wolverines to more wins.

Building on Momentum

As Jeremy Gallon runs for his 64 yard gain, all the momentum for the Wolverines went with him. Looking forward, Michigan has three more winnable home games before they travel to Northwestern for their first road game.

Then they travel to East Lansing to face Michigan State and could very well be 6-0 heading into that game. 

Look for the Wolverines to continue building on these five aspects of their game. This was a huge victory for Michigan and by the time they face State they should be easily in the Top 25 and look to spoil the Spartans season just like they did Nortre Dame's.