Michigan Football: Breaking down Notre Dame with an Irish expert

Michigan football is getting set to take on Notre Dame tonight and here are five questions with a Notre Dame expert.

Michigan football vs Notre Dame is still one of the best rivalries in college football. It may not have the intensity or the hatred or some, but it has history, tradition and nostalgia.

This game also has a lot on the line for both teams. Notre Dame is hoping to keep its playoff hopes alive, while Michigan football is simply hoping to prove the Fighting Irish and everyone that they can win a big game.

The Wolverines have beaten just one top-10 team in Jim Harbaugh‘s five seasons now as a head coach and even though the Big Ten title may be a longshot, UM can start to change the narrative by knocking off the No. 8 Irish tonight at the Big House.

The two teams met last season and Notre Dame won a 24-17 game. The Wolverines started slow and couldn’t recover. As far as what will happen Saturday, that’s anyone’s guess but here is a breakdown with a Notre Dame expert, who covers the Irish for FanSided’s Slap the Sign.

We caught with J.P. Scott for five questions about the Irish and here they are:

1. What’s your assessment of this Notre Dame team? Is it overrated, underrated or just right?

I think the polls are right, with the exception of Georgia ranked behind the Irish. Notre Dame is a legit top ten team with lots of NFL talent on both sides of the ball. A lot of fans want to hate on their schedule, but all the team can do is play who is in front of them. So far, so good.

2. What are the keys to success for Notre Dame in this game? 

Getting pressure on Shea Patterson is key when the Irish are on defense. Michigan’s receiver are going to get open, Notre Dame just can’t afford to give Patterson clean looks. When the Irish have the ball, they need to be able to move the ball consistently on the ground with Tony Jones, especially if the weather does what it looks like it will do.

3. In terms of Notre Dame rivals, where does Michigan rank? 

I think Michigan, whether or not your average Irish fan will admit it, is Notre Dame’s No. 2 rival behind USC. I think there’s a healthy dislike between the fans of the two programs, and I think Irish fans might actually get more joy out of beating Michigan than any other team.

4. Who is going to be your x-factor for the Irish?

The X-factor is Braden Lenzy because of his top-end speed, both on deep routes and jet sweeps. He’s a score from anywhere type of guy, and he can change the game with two touches.

5. Who do you think wins the game and why? (score prediction)

I think Notre Dame wins based on consistency and superior talent on the defensive side of the ball. Michigan is going to have a hard time getting in the end zone, while the Irish are diverse enough on offense to keep the Wolverines on their toes all night. 34-20, Notre Dame.