Notre Dame vs. Michigan: Keys to an Irish Win

Notre Dame travels to Ann Arbor Saturday to face what appears to be a rejuvenated Michigan team under second-year head coach Rich Rodriguez. Both teams easily dispatched their first opponents as the Irish scored a dominant win against Nevada and the Wolverines routed Western Michigan. But convincing opening week wins are largely overshadowed by disappointing 2008 campaigns that leave both teams with much to prove. In other words, solid performances against inferior opponents like Nevada and Western Michigan mean little and the outcome Saturday could very well be decided by which squad plays with more toughness and emotion. Michigan Version 2008 Michigan went 3-9 against the third most difficult AV Ranking strength of schedule last year, struggling to control the ball (over 4:30 time of possession deficit) and win the turnover battle (-10 turnover ratio, 108th regular season ranking). The Wolverines return 10 starters on offense and five on the defensive side of the ball. This offen...