Game Thread: #14 Michigan at #12 Notre Dame

#14 Michigan at #12 Notre Dame 

Notre Dame Stadium |7:30 p.m. ET | NBC

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131-Year Rivalry Rekindles In South Bend

The Irish will trot onto the field Saturday night to take on the Wolverines for the 43rd time in school history. 

Michigan leads the all-time series 24 wins to Notre Dame’s 17 to go along with a tie. These two
powerhouses last played in 2014 when Notre Dame dominated for a 31-0 win in South Bend.

The battle in the trenches will be the one to watch in this marquee matchup on Saturday night. The Irish will field a defensive line that is said to be the deepest group on a Brian Kelly-coached team. A first unit loaded with talent anchored by Khalid Kareem (JR.), Daelin Hayes (JR.) on the outside and Jerry Tillery (SR.), Jonathon Bonner (GS.) holding down the interior.

They will be tested by a talented Michigan offense led a versatile quarterback in Shea Patterson and a dual-back tandem in Karan Higdon (SR.) and Chris Evans (JR.). Michigan also returned three starters on its offensive line.

Offensively, the Irish will look to take a step forward in signal-caller Brandon Wimbush’s second year under center. Last year, we saw Wimbush’s effectiveness to torch defenses with his legs, but the key in this matchup will be his ability to stand in the pocket and deliver timing passes to his veteran group of wide receivers against a loaded Michigan front seven led by Chase Winovich (RS SR.) and Rashan Gary (JR.)

Wimbush is going to have to consistently deliver passes to Miles Boykin (SR.), Chase Claypool (JR.) and Chris Finke (SR.) to be successful against an experienced Michigan defense.

Five Players To Watch

Notre Dame Safety Nick Coleman #24
Without Shaun Crawford at nickel, Coleman is likely to have an expanded role. Michigan is expected to use more three wide receiver sets while transitioning to Patterson at quarterback, which means the nickel should be on the field a lot. Coleman had a terrific camp at safety and should see time there in the base defense as well.

Notre Dame Defensive End Khalid Kareem #53
The Wolverines have major question marks at offensive tackle. Kareem looks like he can be a difference-maker at end for the Irish. This should be a significant advantage for Notre Dame and could cause Patterson to have issues getting comfortable in the pocket.

Notre Dame Running Back Jafar Armstrong #8
In order to score points against Michigan's defense, Notre Dame needs to produce big plays. Armstrong has the potential to help with that as a runner and receiver, but can he be that guy in his first game as a college football player? It's a big stage to make his debut, and we'll find out soon enough if he is ready to shine.

Michigan Defensive End Rashan Gary #3
A healthy Gary has a chance to be a game-wrecker for Michigan. There is a question of how healthy he will be. If he's not at full strength, there's no question their defense will take a bit of a hit.

Michigan Wide Receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones #9 
Michigan lost projected number one receiver Tarik Black to a foot injury. His loss puts pressure on Peoples-Jones to be "the man." He's a big-time athlete and a former 5-star recruit. It's unclear if he is ready to realize his potential right now, but Michigan needs him to. 

Quotes of the Week

Jim Harbaugh on QB Shea Patterson:
"He’s that type of quarterback that does so many things well. Athletic, very good arm talent, understands, he’s smart. He’s always focused. He can keep his mind on what’s important at that moment. Just so many good things. There’s a lot that a quarterback that’s athletic and can throw it and is a dual-threat can bring to our offense. It does open up what you can do.”

Brian Kelly on QB Brandon Wimbush:
"We can't have a fear of failure at that position. We're going to make mistakes. We have to understand the difference between letting our guys make plays and be who they are versus being paralyzed with fear of failure. Brandon falls under that category. At times he got himself in a place where he didn't want to fail. 

"The quarterback position can't be that. You have to be a guy that is out there making plays. Now, within the scope of the offense, we're not drawing it up in the sand. But he's a playmaker, and he's got to go out there with the confidence to make plays. 

"He's going to make some mistakes, but as long as he understands that within the scope of the offense making good decisions, he's a smart kid, he cares, but it can't be that we're handcuffing him that he can't go out there and make plays."

LB Te'von Coney:
“Every chance I get, I thank the man above to play on this stage and to display to the world that I’m the best linebacker in the country.” 

For Your Nerves

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