Predictions for Notre Dame

Submitted by Danny Bonaduce on

Let's hear your predictions for the ND game.  Who wins and why?  Who will be the players of the game on offense and defense?

I have UM winning 28-13.  UM goes into halftime ahead 14-13 and then comes out in the second half with a dominating performance defensively.  I think Frank Clark is going to have a very good game as I see ND LT Ronnie Stanley struggling with his speed all night.  Clark ends the game with 2 sacks and 3 TFL.  On offense, I'm going with Devin Funchess.  I think the running game will struggle some (still looking better than 2013) but the Devin to Devin connection will continue its rise to the top QB/WR combo in the conference. Funchess ends with 10 receptions for 165 yards and 2 more TD's.  

HokeHogan

September 4th, 2014 at 9:05 AM ^

the running game will be huge in this game. The back end of their defense is decimated. They will have to stay pretty basic at the loi to protect the secondary. Im hoping this translates to a solid outing from our oline and backs.

dothepose

September 4th, 2014 at 9:06 AM ^

Gardener throws for 3 tds, Green and Smith combine for 200+ yards and 2 tds, and Funchess has two more tds. We ride off into the sunset flipping the bird to the thousands of domers who can suck it!

GoWings2008

September 4th, 2014 at 9:07 AM ^

Close game at the half, maybe even UM down by a score.  ND rides the crowd's energy into the locker room, but UM comes out swinging for the second half then goes up by a couple TDs.  ND has a late surge, but falls short.  Series ends:  25–16–1

B1G_Fan

September 4th, 2014 at 9:08 AM ^

Michigan 41-24

Player of the game will be Devin Gardner with over 400 yards of total offense, 4 total TD ( 3 passing to 1 rushing) and only one turnover.

Brags123

September 4th, 2014 at 9:08 AM ^

I agree with you on most of your predictions but i think Funchess will be double teamed all game and it should open up a big game for another receiver such as Chesson, Darboh, or maybe we see more Canteen. I think funchess will still make some plays but be limited to maybe 5 catches for 60 yards and hopefully a touchdown. I still see Gardiner throwing for at least 250-300 yards though. Final score Michigan 28 Chickens 17

DonAZ

September 4th, 2014 at 9:16 AM ^

This, I think, is the most intriguing element of this game -- assuming Funchess is doubled, who then opens up and how effectively will Gardner exploit it?

I have a sense Gardner will exploit to M's advantage.  I see it Michigan 35, ND 17.

ND Sux

September 4th, 2014 at 9:49 AM ^

on Funchess is still a win for us.  Baaahahahaha - Screw you ND...Funchess goes over 100 yards despite extra attention, with at least two TDs. 

JMFR comes back with a vengence and has a MONSTER game.  Frank Clark totally exposes the LT who is suspect to begin with (per Ace's piece), and Golson pays dearly. 

Michigan 41, ND 31

GoWings2008

September 4th, 2014 at 9:16 AM ^

for the sparty game... I think you're right about the margin of victory, but I'm not sure how I feel about it.  I desperately want the B1G to gain some respect nationally, just not sure how I feel about it being on the backs of msu.  BUT, I do feel that this particular game they will get beaten down fairly soundly.

Wolverine In Iowa

September 4th, 2014 at 2:05 PM ^

I'm pulling for Sparty this Saturday, but I want OSU to lose, always.

M 34 - 20 ND:  2 nice FG's by Wile; Hagerup punting wins us field position battle; we score on some big plays from Funchess and Darboh/Chesson/Canteen; outrush ND 250-100.  ND gets a defensive TD early, but we/Gardner bounce back big-time.

umjgheitma

September 4th, 2014 at 9:10 AM ^

Until I see improvement from the linebackers, I see the D getting gashed up the middle with the superior interior Oline along with the speed of Gholson/RB du jour. I hope I'm wrong but with Morgan possibly out I don't like the feeling I get. I do like the possibility of our secondary having a field day of PBUs and INTs with the tight coverage....

Big_H

September 4th, 2014 at 9:11 AM ^

This is a hard one to predict, as I see the game going a couple different ways. I'll give it a shot though.

I have Michigan winning 31-20

I believe that our offense, as long as there is no turnovers, will really shine Saturday night. DG has done well in the past with big games.

Also believe that Michigan's Depth on Defense will help us win the 2nd half.

Players of the game: Devin Gardner on Offense and Blake Countess on Defense.

I think DG will have a big game throwing and RUNNING the ball. Think he combines for 3 total touchdowns. Derrick Green rushes for one. Matt Wile boots a fieldgoal. Countess has 2 PBU's and one interception.

maize-blue

September 4th, 2014 at 9:40 AM ^

I agree on UM's depth quite possibly being the difference. One of the main reasons I want to see a win is because I think ND is probably an 8 win team this year. They play a pretty tough schedule and it's hard seeing them get more than 8-9 wins out of that. So, if Michigan loses to an average team, that will shake my confidence somewhat.

One Inch Woody…

September 4th, 2014 at 9:14 AM ^

UM 14 - ND 12



I expect at most 75 rushing yards against the Smith/Day combo but with a decimated secondary we're going to have 250+ yards passing with Darboh and Chesson leading. On the other side, our defense will confuse Gholson, and, while giving up dink and dunk yardage, will stiffen in the red zone. In the end we commit a couple turnovers and miss a field goal, so it's 7-9 in the fourth but we score in the final minute.

Ty Butterfield

September 4th, 2014 at 9:16 AM ^

I see Golson burning Michigan with some timely scrambling. Hoke has not been able to get a road win over a rival and I don't see that changing now. If Michigan wins I will eat a lemon.

Danny Bonaduce

September 4th, 2014 at 9:24 AM ^

Hard to disagree with what you are saying.  The main reason I think UM will win this one is ND's lack of playmakers at WR.  There is no Michael Floyd, Golden Tate, Tyler Eifert or even a TJ Jones level receiver.  I think UM will be able to effectively elimate the threat of a downfield passing game and be able to stack the box to stop the run.  Turnovers obviously will be key.