Michigan Wolverines: Notre Dame — What May Happen

Aug 30, 2014; South Bend, IN, USA; The Notre Dame leprechaun carries a flag following a score during the game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Rice Owls at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame won 48-17. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

Posted at 6:00am — 9/6/2014

Michigan Wolverines: Notre Dame — What May Happen

Michigan at Notre Dame — Final Game Preview

Well, this is the last roundup, at least for quite a while and emotions will run high. So, both coaches must have the players focused to prevent an on the field incident. It should be a close game. Turnovers and poor decision-making could spell doom for one team or the other. Whatever is in the bag of tricks, it needs to be unleashed.

Aug 30, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Devin Gardner (98) passes the ball in the second quarter against the Appalachian State Mountaineers at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY SportsThe quarterback battle could be magnificent. Here are two dual threat quarterbacks that have lived the game and know what the atmosphere will be like. Two things to look for in the quarterback battle: (1) who manages the game better, and (2) who comes up with the big plays.

Like last week, the prediction is that Michigan may just come out and throw the ball. The Michigan line gave decent pass protection last week, many of the patterns were quick reads, and Notre Dame may just be more vulnerable in the secondary.

It will be tough to run the ball on the inside. But Michigan will try. Notre Dame understands that Michigan showed a tendency to be a good right hand team and will prepare accordingly. When on the ground, look for Michigan to run the “somewhat” famous Alabama off tackle play with a strong formation. Look for more waggle options after a fake, and look for Notre Dame to run blitz a guy into that zone on the backside. Look for Michigan to flood a side with the unbalanced look.

While both teams may want to go deep, some patience may have to be incorporated and instead use the horizontal screen game. It is a new year, with a new defense, and a new offense for that matter, on both sides, but the screen has been nice to Michigan.

Sep 21, 2013; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Brian Kelly reacts to a missed field goal in the second quarter against the Michigan State Spartans at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY SportsNotre Dame has had very good luck running the ball up the middle for several years, and the offensive line is still big, talented, and somewhat veteran. It makes sense for Notre Dame to try and pound the ball against Michigan. Sooner or later, Coach Kelly will take a shot over the top, many times either down a sideline or using a tight end down the seam.

Michigan was not spectacular in pass rushing last week, but there was consistent pressure and plenty of hurried throws. Both teams have similar defenses and similar personnel. Both will blitz, so Michigan will need the offensive line to be staunch in pass protection. Whoever is in the backfield better identify a blitzer and neutralize them,

Notre Dame has young, big receivers. The group looked good last week against a Rice defense that let the ND receivers behind them and did not have the speed to catch up. Michigan has a good secondary, but the stress of Golson taking off and creating long busted plays is somewhat unnerving. Mattison certainly has made keeping Golson under control and in the pocket the gospel of the week. Michigan has the delicate task of applying pressure but maintaining control. This is not an easy thing against a first rate athlete like either Gardner or Golson.

Aug 30, 2014; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish fans during the game against the Rice Owls at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY SportsBoth the Michigan and Notre Dame defensive backs will be going to war, the play will be physical, and when the zebras decide to call holding may be a big factor in the outcome of the game. Michigan may press cover the slot more than Notre Dame. Both teams will vary the defensive cover scheme.

All in all, this could be one for the ages: another classic matchup. The human tongue has four types of taste buds: sweet, salty, bitter and sour. The game will be salty and both teams want the sweetness at game’s end.

Score Prediction
Notre Dame 27 Michigan 24

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Written by GBMWolverine Staff — Doc4Blu

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