Week Two Predictions and Notes: Notre Dame Fighting Irish v. Michigan Wolverines

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish running game was strong last week against a weak Rice defense. Greg Bryant, Tarean Folston, and Cam McDaniel combined for 182 yards on 28 carries which is good for 6.5 yards per carry. As a team, the Irish ran the ball 42 times for 281 yards compared to throwing the ball just 22 times. There is no reason that Coach Brian Kelly will change the current strategy against a better Michigan Wolverines defense.

I would expect a little closer ratio but the Irish will run the ball majority of the time. They will try to mix it up a bit more to keep the Wolverines defense on its toes. However, if the Irish take a lead into the second half you will get an extremely heavy dose of the run game with all three running backs spelling each other. Also, do not dismiss quarterback Everett Golson’s scrambling ability or the possibility of a Malik Zaire appearance in the second half to run the clock down.

The kicking game will be extremely important for the Irish. Every point will be crucial since Michigan and Notre Dame always seem to play tight for the entirety of the game. Senior Kyle Brindza was perfect in extra points last week. However, the Lou Groza Award (best kicker in nation) watch list kicker missed a 38 yard field goal at the end of the first quarter. Brindza will need to be perfect in order for Notre Dame to improve to 2-0.

Everett Golson makes the offense work. This is not the same offense we saw last year with Tommy Rees behind center. Golson can extend plays, make solid decisions, and knows when to throw the ball away. Last week, Golson accounted for more than 300 all-purpose yards and five total touchdowns. As Golson goes, so do the Irish.

Prediction: Notre Dame 31-27. Notre Dame has a solid team. Golson will have a career game in his first real competitive game in over a year. The Michigan defense is weak in the front seven. The Irish will wear them down with their rushing attack during the entire game.