Notre Dame vs. Michigan 09/16/06

#2 vs #1...sorta

On the surface, this Saturday's Notre Dame - Michigan game looks a lot like the contests leading up to the Penn State game. Previously, PSU struggled against a hapless Akron team, and Michigan's two opponents are now 0-4 combined. But in beating Vanderbilt, Michigan defeated a squad that lost on a late FG to Alabama; Michigan also beat Central Michigan, a team who lost by one touchdown to Boston College (and shoulda beat 'em), a BC squad that later whacked #18 Clemson.

So digging a bit deeper, it appears as if Michigan has been more tested than PSU was coming in, even after their first game. They are more complete: they have one of the best defenses ND will see all year, and proven, veteran skill position players such as Henne, Hart, Manningham and Breaston. The Irish defense will be called on often to make some plays.

One has to think that Weis knows the intangibles that are on the table for this affair: last year a certain team flew under the radar and shocked the #3 team and would-be title contender in their own house. Obviously, Michigan at #10/#13 is not "under the radar", but it's a similar payback scenario. Plus Weis may still be smarting from losing two 3-point matchups at Notre Dame Stadium in '05.

It will be a close game and could hinge on a handful of plays as in recent years for this series, but the Irish win:
Notre Dame over Michigan.