Notre Dame and Michigan have both looked forward to this day since Remy Hamilton kicked the game-winning field goal to give the Wolverines a 26-24 win over the Irish in South Bend in 1994. Well, the day has finally arrived.
After a two-year layoff, the rivalry between the Irish and the Wolverines will be renewed tomorrow at Michigan Stadium. And you better believe that all of the emotion, hatred and competition that exists between the two teams will still be there. But a great, classic, hard-nosed battle may be missing.
The Irish, with new coach Bob Davie, have looked anything but new and polished, dropping their past two games to Purdue and Michigan State and barely squeaking by Georgia Tech in the opener. Notre Dame's schedule doesn't get any easier, and as of no
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| FILE PHOTO Remy Hamilton's game-winning field goal beat the Irish in 1994, despite the efforts of then-Notre Dame cornerback Bobby Taylor (21). |
The Wolverines, on the other hand, are rolling in the early going. Besides the obvious Michigan-Notre Dame hoopla, the Wolverines have a certain revenge factor on their minds directed at Notre Dame defensive coordinator Greg Mattison.
Mattison pulled the ultimate Benedict Arnold move of college football at the end of last season when he left Michigan to fill the same post at Notre Dame. That's just not done, and the Wolverines will be gearing up for him. This one should be fun.
Michigan rushing offense vs. Notre Dame rushing defense:
After a shaky first game against Colorado, Michigan's running game made a complete turnaround against Baylor last week. The Wolverines played without starting fullback Chris Floyd and still managed to gain 344 yards on the ground.
In fact, tailback Chris Howard and running back Anthony Thomas became the first duo of Michigan backs to each rush for more than 100 yards since Tyrone Wheatley and Tshimanga Biakabutuka did it in 1994. Thomas rushed for 122 yards and one touchdown and Howard ran for 112 yards and two touchdowns last week.
Floyd, who missed the game against the Bears with a one-game suspension for violating team rules, will play tomorrow. Floyd, Howard, Thomas and Clarence Williams combine to form an interesting blend of finesse and power in the backfield. They should run roughshod over the Irish.
The Irish are currently ranked 85th in the country in rushing defense, surrendering an average of 177 yards per game. To put that statistic in perspective, Western Michigan, Toledo and Bowling Green have far better averages than Notre Dame. That's not good.
The Irish's defensive line isn't as big as Michigan's offensive line, which has benefited with the return of starting center Zach Adami. The Irish will be without starting nose guard Corey Bennett, who has a knee injury. Michigan's offensive line should be able to bully the Notre Dame defenders to make holes big enough for its backs.
Edge: Michigan
Michigan passing offense vs. Notre Dame passing defense:
Michigan quarterback Brian Griese has been solid in the first two games, passing for 427 total yards. One of his favorite targets has been tight end Jerame Tuman, who has caught six passes for 149 yards in the last two games.
If Griese stays with short passes, the Wolverines should not have a problem throwing against the Irish. Notre Dame will be without starting inside linebacker Bobbie Howard. Grant Irons, whose brother Jarrett played middle linebacker at Michigan, will replace Howard. But the middle is relatively young and the Irish have had problems keeping their defense in sync.
In terms of size, Notre Dame's cornerbacks are small but quick and match up well to Michigan's receivers. But the Wolverines have not had to go deep in most passing situations. Whether or not the Irish secondary can pressure the receivers remains to be seen.
Edge: Michigan
Notre Dame passing offense vs. Michigan passing defense:
Notre Dame quarterback Ron Powlus was one of the most highly-touted high school players four years ago, but he hasn't lived up to the hype. Some say that Powlus, a passing quarterback, couldn't grow under former Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz's heavy ground game.
Davie has tried to gear the offense more to the air, but Powlus still hasn't shown signs of greatness. Despite breaking a school record for consecutive completions last week, most were short pass patterns. Notre Dame doesn't have the best targets at wideout, and freshman flanker Joey Getherall is questionable for tomorrow's game.
The Wolverines' secondary is just too good and Powlus' arm is just too shaky at this point. The Wolverines are currently ranked first in the nation in passing defense.
Cornerback Charles Woodson is arguably the best at his position in the country. He is complemented well by Andre Weathers at the other corner spot and strong safety Marcus Ray and free safeties Tommy Hendricks and Daydrion Taylor have each had solid outings.
And the linebackers aren't too shabby, either.
Edge: Michigan
Notre Dame rushing offense vs. Michigan rushing defense:
The Irish have had trouble getting the running game going this year. Last week against the Spartans, they only managed 61 yards on the ground. Starting tailback Autry Denson has been held below a five-yard average per carry in each game. And starting fullback Joey Goodspeed will be out four to six weeks with a separated shoulder.
The Wolverines' defensive line is anchored by end Glen Steele. Defensive end Josh Williams has been impressive, tallying four total tackles last week.
Edge: Michigan
Special teams:
Michigan walk-on punter Jason Vinson has been solid, averaging 44.7 yards a punt, and has compensated for some bad snaps with quick thinking. But the field goal tandem of Jay Feely and Kraig Baker has been inconsistent.
Last week, Baker missed a 35-yard field goal while Feely nailed a 51-yarder. The week before, Baker missed one from 45-yards out and Feely missed one from 49 yards.
The Irish have averaged 43.7 yards per punt and nailed two of three field goal attempts - good, but not stellar numbers.
Edge: Even
The Wolverines have been a defensive juggernaut and have not surrendered a touchdown or 100 yards rushing in either game. That will be a problem for the Irish, who have been able to get a little offensive production, but not enough to score consistently.
The Wolverines are a healthier and stronger team than the Irish. And Mattison patrolling the opposing sidelines in Michigan Stadium will just add fuel to the fire.
Michigan 28, Notre Dame 10
09-26-97
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