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✦ top storylines: notre dame vs. michigan 30-13 victory at Oklahoma last year when the Sooners ran the spread, so it can adapt. However, Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner does provide a dual threat that the Sooners' Landry Jones didn't. Last week, Temple quarterback Connor Reilly scrambled and broke containment several times against the Irish defense while rushing for 65 yards on 12 carries. Gardner, who had 52 yards on seven carries against Central Michigan in the opener, might be even more dangerous against an Irish linebacker corps that conspicuously missed the presence of graduated All-American Manti Te'o and drop linebacker Danny Spond, whose football career ended in August because of incessant migraine headaches. Kelly said while Gardner is not as electrifying as Denard Robinson was for Michigan the previous four years — although he was held in check during Notre Dame's 13-6 victory over the Wolverines in 2012 — he is a better passer and still provides a dual threat. How effective the Irish linebackers can be covering that dual option will be pivotal. But if it becomes a slugfest, Kelly believes the Fighting Irish can hold their own. "We're certainly in a position where we don't feel we go into this week and feel like we're undermanned," Kelly said of a potentially more physical contest. ✦ Predictions Tom Loy: Notre Dame 24, Michigan 20 The Irish will have to establish a strong running game if they want to go into Ann Arbor and defeat the Wolverines. In addition, quarterback Tommy Rees will have to outplay Michigan's Devin Gardner in the turnover battle between the signal-callers. In the end, Rees does just enough to get his team out of enemy territory with a close win and a 2-0 record to start the season. Dan Murphy: Michigan 27, Notre Dame 24 These two teams are headed down similar paths, but the Wolverines hold two key advantages that will help them squeak out another dramatic finish under the lights. First, experience in the backfield. I'm not sold on Notre Dame's offensive weapons yet. Fitzgerald Touissant is a former 1,000-yard rusher, and Devin Gardner is a very athletic quarterback. Second, Michigan is at home, where 110,000 screaming fans can make a difference in a neck-and-neck battle. Andrew Owens: Michigan 31, Notre Dame 28 Under the lights at The Big House, the Irish running backs will rush for more than 150 yards and Tommy Rees will avoid the big turnover. That sounds like a recipe for success, but Michigan will secure its fourth win in five tries in this series with a late game-winning drive. Pivotal will be Notre Dame's ability to pressure Devin Gardner behind a line of two returning starters, even if one is All-American Taylor Lewan. The Irish defense will have its hands full trying to contain redshirt junior quarterback Devin Gardner, who had 52 rushing yards on seven carries against Central Michigan in U-M's season opener. photo by lon horwedel Lou Somogyi: Notre Dame 24, Michigan 13 After four straight games where this game came down to the final possession, a double-digit win by one team or the other is due. It's more likely to be Michigan at home under the lights, but it's still too early in the year for me to give up big dreams. Skill positions are a question mark for the Irish, but the hope is they can win it in the trenches. ✦ Page 9