Michigan-Notre Dame scouting report, prediction
Matchup: Michigan 0-2; Notre Dame 0-2.
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m., Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor.
Line: Michigan by 8.
Injuries: Michigan — QB Chad Henne (knee), RB Kevin Grady (knee), out; RB Mike Hart (thigh), RB Brandon Minor (foot), RB Carlos Brown (hand), RG Jeremy Ciulla (undisclosed), probable. Notre Dame — DL Derrell Hand (suspension), out.
When Michigan has the ball: The Wolverines will likely run the ball early to help freshman QB Ryan Mallett get comfortable. The playbook will expand as the game wears on but expect Ryan Mallett to be somewhat more restricted than Chad Henne. RB Mike Hart is slated to start, even with the painful thigh bruise that bothered him last week, but expect Brandon Minor and Carlos Brown to relieve him of carries so he will be fresher in the fourth quarter. Earlier this week, Lloyd Carr praised WR Adrian Arrington but also stated he feels Mario Manningham can improve. While he didn’t say in what area, Manningham’s reception numbers are strong, so he will be watched. Notre Dame’s defense improved last weekend from its debut against Georgia Tech. It allowed Penn State just 57 rushing yards through the first three quarters and 126 yards when the first-team defense was in. The Irish are allowing just 126 passing yards per game, though Georgia Tech and Penn State stopped throwing the ball after building big leads. The key defenders are S Tom Zbikowski, an All-America in 2005 who forced two fumbles against Penn State; and DE Trevor Laws, who has 19 tackles. DB Darrin Walls had a 73-yard interception return touchdown last week. Notre Dame’s defense, under former U-M player and first-year coordinator Corwin Brown, has struggled against the run. Now that it’s facing a freshman quarterback, expect the Irish to load up on the run and challenge Ryan Mallett to beat them through the air.
When Notre Dame has the ball: Though freshman QB Jimmy Clausen will start, expect to see backup Demetrius Jones early, just so Notre Dame can see if his scrambling skills can keep Michigan off-balance. At the same time, this may be a great opportunity for U-M to blitz and keep pressure on Jimmy Clausen: The Irish’s offensive line has given up 11 sacks and rushed for minus-8 yards in the first two games. Without a productive tailback, Jimmy Clausen has been forced to throw the ball, often without time. His best offensive target is potential All-America tight end John Carlson. Notre Dame’s biggest problem: It has yet to score an offensive touchdown. Michigan’s defensive problem? Its opponents have scored nine TDs. Though the Wolverines may not make many personnel changes — save for Brandon Graham’s projected start at defensive end — they will be focused on preventing the long passing plays, which doomed them repeatedly against Oregon.
Prediction: Michigan 25, Notre Dame 23.
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