Blue and Gold Illustrated

June-July 2014

Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football

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Owls won their first outright confer- ence title in more than 50 years in 2013. Head coach David Bailiff's building is starting to pay dividends with back- to-back winning seasons from a team that was college football's doormat when he arrived on campus. But Bai- liff loses 19 fifth-year seniors from last year's championship team and has to show the program can sustain success without them. MICHIGAN • SEPT. 6 2013 RECORD: 7-6, 3-5 Big Ten LAST MEETING: Michigan 41, Notre Dame 30 (2013) TOUGHEST TO REPLACE: Jeremy Gallon wasn't just a Notre Dame killer. The 5-8 slot receiver was a key cog in Michigan's offense during the past couple seasons, and he leaves the Wolverines searching for some reliable targets for fifth-year senior quarterback Devin Gardner. Left tackle Taylor Lewan may have been a first-round pick, but Michigan's offen- sive line can't be much worse without him than it was at times last season. KEY PLAYER: Cornerback Jourdan Lewis made two interceptions in the spring game for the Wolverines' defense. He grew from a potential second-teamer to the team's top cover corner in the spring. With five-star prospect Jabrill Peppers joining Lewis and Blake Count- ess in the summer, Michigan should be able to leave its defensive backs in one-on-one coverage frequently. Early enrollee Freddy Canteen, Gallon's heir apparent in the slot, is a close second in this category. SPRING OUTLOOK: Michigan's defense will be its calling card in an important fourth season for head coach Brady Hoke. Fifth-year senior Jake Ryan's move to middle linebacker in spring ball solidified a strong front seven full of former top-tier recruits. The offensive line didn't seem to take much of a step forward from last year and remains the Wolverines' top concern heading into fall camp. VS. PURDUE • SEPT. 13 2013 RECORD: 1-11, 0-8 Big Ten LAST MEETING: Notre Dame 31, Purdue 24 (2013) TOUGHEST TO REPLACE: The Boilermak- ers lose their top player from each level of the defense. But after a 1-11 season, personnel losses can't hurt all that much. Cornerback Ricardo Al- len (53 tackles and six interceptions) was a bright spot in the secondary. His leadership in the locker room will be missed as well. KEY PLAYER: At 6-3, 205 pounds, soph- omore Dan Monteroso brings good Fifth-year senior Jake Ryan made move to middle linebacker during the spring and will anchor a strong front seven for the Wolverines. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL

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