Showdown in South Bend

[bmurderh8s]

I'm obviously picking Michigan in this one. Here's why.

Notre Dame's linebackers. From what I've heard, they arent very good or fast. ND has had the luxery of dropping back and playing in nickle and dime formations in the first two games, and against UM they'll have to play honest against the run. If a guy like Breaston with a ton of speed can get the ball on slant routes, he could wreak havoc in the secondary.

Notre Dame's run defense. They've given up yards against the run and against Michigan they could get in trouble. Hart is a guy that when healthy has, from memory, always ran well and been a difference maker on that offense. I expect nothing less Saturday.

The O-Line. I think Notre Dame is avergaing 4.5 sacks against and Michigan currently has 10 on the year. Granted they were against cupcakes, but Woodley is a beast and has looked deadly serious as of late. Woodley will put Quinn on his back at least once. And from what I've seen, Quinn gets uncomfortable when he gets pressured. Michigan will bring the heat.

Michigan will get up for this game. UM's problem is Lloyd has a problem getting his guys motivated. But it seems when they come into games when they are the underdog or are looking for payback they always step up.

Final prediction. Michigan 20. Notre Dame 10

[gatekeeper]

I'm going to go with Michigan, but just barely.

I think Lloyd Carr knows he's under big pressure because of his poor showings in road openers lately. UM's defense is better and their O-Line should be able to take over the game.

Last year, Mike Hart was hurt and that played a huge factor into Michigan's loss. With a healthy #20 in the backfield, UM will have a much better shot.

Breaston and Zybykowski are both great return men but the edge has to go to Breaston. More experience.

I think the X-factor is ND RB, Darious Walker. he's the real deal and had a great game against UM last year. If the golden helmets win, it will be because of Walker.

Should be a great game. This could be a career defining game for Chad Henne.

[bmurderh8s]

You know, its not brought up often, but Henne has played really well in several "big games" throughout his two years with the team. The two Michigan St. games, the Rose Bowl, against Penn State. Unfortunately he hasn't been able to beat ND or OSU. He'll win against at least one this year. Remember, Navarre's third year was the year he got wins over ND and OSU

[BDS]

I've got the Domers and I'll give you and your girlpants a touchdown, to boot.

[swarm]

Michigan. By 4.

[Pete]

I went with Notre Dame, barely. Call it less of a mancrush on Weiss (who would have a crush on *that*?? He's repulsive) and more of a lack of faith in Lloyd.

My brain tells me that after the rest of the Big 10 crapped the bed last week, to root hard for Michigan to restore a bit of dignity to the conference, and to add further intrigue to the final game of the season. My heart will likely betray me about halfway through the first quarter and I'll be cheering for the Domers to knock the teeth out of the Team Up North. Not that I like Notre Dame.

Still too early for any real analysis. Michigan hasn't played anybody and we've seen two completely different ND squads in two games.

[BDS]

Well, wow. Hail to the victors, baby.

I'm going to go fry up my crow now.

[gatekeeper]

Amazing win by UM!

ND might be a fraud. They are good, but this was a huge blow to the mystique of Charlie Weiss and Brady Quinn.

GO BLUE!

[bmurderh8s]

bigdaddyswank said:

I've got the Domers and I'll give you and your girlpants a touchdown, to boot.

Haha. The best game I think I've seen Michigan play EVER. They looked like a NC contender in South Bend and a totally different team from what I remember seeing in past years. A perfect game if there ever was one. After seeing what went down, My opinion has changed from a possible 10, 11 win season to a definite chance at running the table. And since Mich has a decently strong schedule, they can afford to be hanging around with maybe 2 or 3 other undefeated teams. Especially if that win over ND turns out to be a quality one.

[gatekeeper]

bmurderh8s said:

The best game I think I've seen Michigan play EVER.

My opinion has changed from a possible 10, 11 win season to a definite chance at running the table.

As much as I hate to say it, I don't think they will run the table because they willhave beat OSU in the Horseshoe. Don't think it will happen unless the Buckeyes have some injuries.

But, you never know.

If UM and OSU go into the last week undefeated, it would probably 1 vs. 2 and that would be the biggest game of all time!

[bmurderh8s]

To be honest, Mich has a reputation for losing a game along the way to a team they really shouldn't. But if they can come out strong against Minnesota and Wisconsin, I'll feel much better about picking Michigan to do something special this year. But to be honest, this team will probably show up against both those teams. They lost both of em late as they did to OSU who they basically outplayed for 3 quarters. I expect this team to play inspired. They're saying all the right things and I think this team wants it...a lot.

Still, we don't know how this defense will fare against a mobil quarterback like Troy Smith. But I like Mich chances in Columbus better now then I did say a week ago. Remember, Notre Dame isn't an easy to place to win in either. Their crowds can be just as nasty. And if Mich can come out, wanting it and inspired, they dfeinitely have the talent to pull a win out.

we'll see.

[Chewey]

that was quite some game the Woverines played last Saturday. Having spent seven years of my childhood in Battle Creek, MI (to date, the longest continuous period of time I have ever spent in one place in my entire life), I still heart the Michigan Woverines.